NASCAR has seen its fair share of bizarre and unsettling moments, especially when passionate fans cross the line. From angry spectators throwing beer cans at Jeff Gordon after his 2004 Talladega win to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s fans showing outside Kevin Harvick’s home in 2011, the sport has dealt with incidents that put driver and official safety at risk. Some, like the 2007 fan intrusion at Watkins Glen, where he walked straight up to Matt Kenseth’s car, have raised serious concerns about security within the sport.

One such alarming event took place in NASCAR Cup Series 2024 at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP), where a heated confrontation over tire pricing turned physical. Hoosier Racing Tire’s longtime head of racing, Irish Saunders, found himself at the center of an unexpected assault. What started as a verbal altercation over Hoosier’s tires quickly escalated, leading Saunders to make a life-changing decision.

Irish Saunders’ unexpected and unwarranted assault at IRP

In a recent episode of The Kenny Wallace Show, host Kenny Wallace sat down with Irish Saunders, the former head of Hoosier Racing Tire’s racing division. During their conversation, Saunders recounted a disturbing incident at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) for the USAC Silver Crown in 2024 that might have influenced his decision to retire after over four decades with the company.

Saunders had spent much of that year traveling across the country, trying to address tire-related concerns. “Traveling all over the country that year trying to fix problems—whether it be with the Cars Tour, with ASA, with the Modifieds, with whatever it might be,” he recalled. But when he arrived at IRP, he was immediately met with frustration from competitors. “I start walking through the pits, and they all start complaining about, ‘Oh, the product, you know, on dirt and the product on asphalt. My tires shrink and they grow.’”

Well, this was nothing compared to what happened next. As he exited the pits through a tunnel, an imposing man confronted him. “Here’s this guy… probably 6’4″ or 6’5″, probably 260 pounds, got a beard, wearing a Brady Bacon t-shirt,” Saunders described. The man aggressively blamed him for Hoosier’s perceived issues, declaring, “And you, my friend, are single-handedly ruining racing.” This can be attributed to the resentment against the ST2 tires and the F45 Star tires during the 2024 season.

Saunders attempted to defend himself. He responded, “Wait a minute, I’m not ruining your racing.” However, the man persisted, saying, “Maybe it’s not you, but it’s your f—— company,” before shoving Saunders to the ground and disappearing. Evidently, the incident was a breaking point for Saunders. After months and years of dealing with criticism, this physical attack made him reevaluate his future. “At that point in time, I called my wife and said, ‘This is it.’” Her response confirmed what he already knew: “You know, it’s probably time. 36 years of being together, and all we hear all night long is complaints. It might be time.”

In November 2024, Saunders officially announced his retirement after more than 40 years with Hoosier Racing Tire, ending the tire-war of NASCAR. “After four decades with Hoosier Racing Tire, the time has come for me to step away and embrace retirement,” he wrote. His departure marked the end of a significant chapter in motorsports, underscoring the immense pressures faced by industry veterans.

Trending

1

NASCAR Star Drops Life-Changing Announcement as Racing Community Melts Over Welcome Surprise

2

3x Daytona 500 Champ Left in Tears Accompanying Tony Stewart’s Rival Into the Motorsport Hall of Fame

3

Richard Petty’s Son Betrays the King’s NASCAR Legacy With Humble Dale Earnhardt Claim

4

Kyle Larson Uncovers Welcome $18 Million Surprise Amidst NASCAR’s Michael Jordan Lawsuit Tussle

5

When Jeff Gordon Became Enemy of the People After Paying the Greatest Dale Earnhardt Tribute

Irish Saunders’ 40-year glorious career shaping NASCAR  

Irish Saunders dedicated over four decades to Hoosier Racing Tire, playing a crucial role in its success in NASCAR. Starting part-time in 1976 and going full-time in 1981, he became a respected figure in motorsports. His expertise in tire development and commitment to racers made him a trusted name in NASCAR and grassroots racing alike.

Undoubtedly, Irish Saunders’ work at Hoosier was truly pioneering. In 2021, as the asphalt business manager, he successfully handled a tire supply shortage that plagued the short-track industry. Many teams requested 16-24 tires per weekend, up from the usual 4-8. So Saunders quickly identified that the excess demand was driven by teams’ surplus funds post-COVID, solving the issue.

Although Saunders has stepped into retirement, his passion for the sport remains unchanged. “Although I am retiring, I won’t be a stranger,” he shared. He looks forward to attending races as a fan and advocate, continuing his lifelong connection with motorsports. His legacy as a tire industry leader and problem-solver will leave a lasting imprint on the racing community.