The Ross Chastain Hail Melon move not only got millions and millions of eyes on NASCAR, but it also had NASCAR’s eyes on itself for something far more important than publicity and the spectacle – Will they allow something like that to happen again considering how dangerous it could get if things go wrong? While many would argue it should be allowed, at least NASCAR and Chase Elliott are on the same page.
In fact, Elliott’s prediction of whether there’ll be another such move preceded NASCAR’s official ruling down on it by only a few days.
Yes, NASCAR has decided to ban the Hail Melon move effectively, as Elliott predicted in a recent conversation on the Heidi and Frank Morning Show.
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“I think that was one and done. I don’t think that’ll happen again. It was just something that the sanctioning body just wasn’t prepared for,” the Hendrick Motorsports driver said.
“I don’t think you’ll see that again.”
Fans do not agree with NASCAR banning the Hail Melon
The Hail Melon was an instant fan favorite that quickly climbed the charts of spectacle, to cult favorite, to legendary within hours. Of course, the fact that it brought a lot of spotlight and publicity on NASCAR on a global level, didn’t hurt its popularity too.
So naturally, now that it is banned, the fans are left with a sour taste in their mouth.
So the thing that got them the most publicity last year is now banned. Got it
— Justin Payne (@ItsJustinPayne) January 31, 2023
Ok, then they better not use it in a single promo or anything like that.
— CLEMSON FAN 1995 (@1995Clemson) January 31, 2023
Boooo.
— Knoxville Moths (@KnoxvilleMoths) January 31, 2023
Don’t promote it anymore then
— Sam hall (@samh8876) January 31, 2023
L!!!!!!!
— NoToRiOuSJT_48 (@NoToRiOuSJT_48) January 31, 2023
Boooooooooooo👎🏼
— Isaac Meckler (@Isaac_Meckler) January 31, 2023
So somebody successfully does something once in 75 years and all of a sudden we have to put a stop to it. Seems legit
— Kevin Going (@Kevin_going) January 31, 2023
WATCH THIS STORY: “Chase Fans in Shambles” – Chase Elliott Hit With Setback as Hendrick Motorsports Start 2023 With a Loss
Kyle Larson stood with Chase Elliott against the Hail Melon move
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While there were many drivers who agreed with the NASCAR fans about the ‘awesomeness’ of Ross Chastain’s incredibly brave but potentially dangerous move at Martinsville, Kyle Larson was pretty vocal about it not being a good look for the sport and racing.
“It doesn’t take any talent to floor it against the wall and go two seconds quicker than the field,” Larson said according to USA Today. “I don’t think that’s fair. It’s not fair at all.”
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Larson added that his opinion on the move doesn’t mean he has anything personal against Chastain. He accepted that the move was “crazy,” “awesome”, and brave. But still, his opinion doesn’t change.
“It could be anyone in the field to pull that move, and I would have felt the same way about it,” the 2021 Cup champion added.
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“It’s not fair racing.”