Social media, for all its connective power, has a knack for turning minor disagreements into full-blown shouting matches. Add a controversial figure like Elon Musk into the mix, and it’s a recipe for chaos. That’s precisely what happened when NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Keith McGee praised Musk in a tweet, only for the conversation to spiral into an explosive feud that had little to do with the original topic. What began as a commentary on TikTok’s government-mandated ban turned into a very public war of words, with McGee ultimately losing his cool in dramatic fashion.

But what set off McGee, a 43-year-old disabled veteran and part-time driver, wasn’t just an online disagreement. It was a scathing accusation from a 20-year-old NASCAR insider, Lyle Tolito, about McGee’s performance on the track during a recent race.

TikTok, Elon Musk, and Keith McGee’s Twitter firestorm

Keith McGee posted on X, talking about the TikTok controversy, and reaching out directly to Elon Musk. McGee’s admiration for Musk wasn’t exactly groundbreaking, but the combination of politics and praise for such a divisive figure quickly drew criticism. Among the detractors was Lyle Tolito, a PR specialist for FDNY Racing—the same team McGee had driven for in October 2024 during the Love’s RV Stops 225 at Talladega. Tolito’s biting response struck a nerve: “[This is the] Same guy that didn’t use a brake pedal and absolutely destroyed the hell out of our truck btw.” Following which, Tolito shared images of the team’s damaged Truck series racer.

McGee’s reply was swift and cutting. “I definitely used the brake pedal, you f***ing moron,” he fired back. “But go ahead and spout off some more stupid s***. It’s weird that you are only brave enough to say s*** like this while hiding behind a keyboard and not to my face at the track.”

Tolito’s accusation wasn’t random, however. In October 2024, McGee made a single appearance for FDNY Racing at Talladega, driving their No. 28 Chevrolet Silverado. While Bryan Dauzat had qualified the truck in 24th, McGee took the wheel for the race, finishing a modest 26th. That outing marked a rare opportunity to race under the FDNY Racing banner in the Truck Series. However, it seems not everyone at FDNY Racing was thrilled with his performance.

Tolito’s comment about McGee’s alleged failure to brake during the race wasn’t just a dig—it was a direct challenge to his skills and professionalism as well as his intelligence. For a driver like McGee, who has spent years defying the odds and proving himself in a sport that demands precision and control, such criticism was bound to hit hard. Away from the toxicity of X, McGee’s journey to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is anything but ordinary. Born in 1981, McGee served in the United States Air Force for eight years, earning the distinction of being the first disabled veteran to race in a NASCAR national series. His road to racing wasn’t traditional—he only began competing at age 35 when a go-kart track opened near his hometown of Eagle River, Alaska.

Whether Tolito’s claim held water or not, the pressures that part-time drivers face where every lap, every decision, every mistake is scrutinized, often by people with no firsthand experience behind the wheel. For McGee, that scrutiny carries even greater weight. Despite this, he continually proves himself as a skilled driver, exemplified by McGee fighting Noah Gragson off for a win.

Keith McGee: Breaking barriers and making history

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Just a few months ago, McGee claimed victory at the 2.4 Hours of Le Mullets endurance race, teaming up with YouTuber Derek Bieri of Vice Grip Garage. The duo overcame a stacked field of action sports legends and social media influencers to take the win. Amidst the competitors was Noah Gragson, looking to rebuild himself after a disappointing season. What Gragson didn’t know was just how good McGee was.

Starting from the back of the field, McGee and Bieri clawed their way through the 21-car field. Bieri drove the car for the first half of the race, while McGee took over for the final 89 laps. In the end, they managed to beat Cleetus McFarland and Justin Hildebrand by just a second to take the win.

“It’s awesome,” McGee said of the win. “This is a field that is stacked with legends of action sports, tons of YouTube stars, and other forms of celebrities… To go down there as a small potato in the grand scheme of things and pull out the victory was incredible.”

Whether you see McGee’s fiery response as justified or over-the-top, there’s no denying his passion for the sport and his determination to prove himself, both online and behind the wheel. In the high-pressure world of NASCAR, sometimes it takes more than brakes to navigate the twists and turns—it takes grit, which regardless of his views on Elon Musk, McGee clearly possesses.