A wall ride, hefty penalties, and manufacturers banding together in a strategic huddle—these were just some of the elements that defined the final playoff race at Martinsville Speedway. As the Cup Series’ penultimate event, the race sparked divided reactions among fans, with many taking to social media to express their thoughts. Some fans felt NASCAR showed favoritism toward Hendrick Motorsports, while others argued that Christopher Bell was penalized unfairly. The mixed opinions highlighted the emotional intensity and stakes involved in this high-profile race.

However, it’s not just fans who are torn on the matter. NASCAR insider Kyle Petty made his position quite clear regarding the incidents of alleged “race manipulation” that have fueled heated discussions. Petty has been outspoken about the situation, criticizing what he believes were misguided decisions that influenced the outcome. With the debate around fairness and transparency reaching new heights, Petty’s insights have added fuel to the ongoing conversation. Here’s a look at what he had to say.

Petty chooses to go by the rulebook

The term manipulation might seem to be now quite common in the NASCAR world, given that Martinsville was riddled with the same. Towards the closing laps of the race, it was seen that the Chevy drivers formed a canopy-like situation. Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon were seen essentially escorting William Byron to the checkered flag. The HMS #24 was 1 point ahead of Christopher Bell in the race for the championship 4 and could not afford to lose a position. Both the drivers did have the speed to cross him, but it was evident that they didn’t cross him on purpose and also did not allow others to do the same. However, this is not the only instance that made it to the headlines. Bubba Wallace was also seen slowing down deliberately, claiming a flat tire, which ensured that his fellow Toyota driver, Christopher Bell, could catch Byron.

Bell did understand the sign and tried to take complete advantage of the momentum. However, he ended up getting loose and riding the wall which resonated with the “Hail Melon” move by Ross Chastain from two years back. NASCAR banned this move and there are rulings that following the same would lead to safety violations. Christopher Bell was penalized for the same, which ultimately made him lose out on his position in the Top 4, and Byron made it through.

Fans have ever since been expressing how NASCAR has turned blind eyes towards the “manipulation” by Chevy drivers and instead punished Bell for something he did “unintentionally.” NASCAR veteran Kyle Petty was seen to be quite clear about what he thought about the penalties. Petty said, “Everybody wants to talk about use the word manipulation. And that’s fine, they can use it. That’s a big word. We didn’t learn that in Randolph County but that’s a big word. There is no rule and you said it before, that’s the rule, there is no rule in the rulebook against manufacturers having input with teams. There is a rule that you can’t ride the wall and he rode the wall”.  

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However, as recent proceedings went, it seems that NASCAR has, after all, not turned a blind eye towards the feat pulled off by the Chevy drivers. Each of the teams involved was imposed with a fine of $100,000 along with a suspension of the crew chief, spotter, and a team executive from appearance at the Phoenix Raceway for the finals. It does not end here! 50 points were also taken away from both the team and the drivers who were involved in the Chevy lobby. Unlike Christopher Bell who was not allowed to plead against the decision because it was a safety violation, Chastain and Dillon have the opportunity to plead for their case. Given that the finals are scheduled for Sunday, their cases will be heard in a speedy trial. 

Bell’s crew chief challenges that the Hail Melon move does not resemble that of Chastain 

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The Hail Melon move by Ross Chastain from two years ago led the NASCAR world to mark this as a safety violation. Although Chastain did not have to face any penalization, every other driver who tends to imitate the same will have to go through the perils. However, it seems as though Kyle Petty is not the only one with opinions when it comes to the high-octane drama at Martinsville Speedway. Christopher Bell’s crew chief has also recently spoken about what he feels about the #20’s moves at Martinsville and NASCAR’s decision.  

Adam Stevens thinks that if NASCAR has decided to penalize Christopher Bell based on what Chastain showcased two years back, then there are certainly no resemblances or points of similarity between the two. Stevens said after visiting the hauler, “If we’re just talking about the decision, this situation is nothing like the situation of the 1 car. We attempted to make the corner. We passed the 23. We got into the marbles. He got into the fence after we passed the 23. We slowed down a full second from our previous lap. We weren’t up there matting the gas and grabbing gears. It’s just a different situation. It sucks that it’s a judgment call and you can’t appeal an in-race violation, but I just don’t see anything that’s even remotely close to what the 1 did that they outlawed”.  

With the Phoenix Raceway Finale inching closer and such high-voltage drama being a part and parcel of every race, what are your expectations from the Finale?