“Makes Sense LOL” – Fans Create a Mockery Out of NASCAR’s Double Standards After an Inconsequential String of Fines

Rules and regulations are an essential aspect of any organized sporting activity. Particularly if it involved Next-Gen automobiles speeding in close quarters on deathly turns. For the safety of drivers, security of spectators, and equity in the race outcome, a comprehensive system of penalties was required. But not the one employed by NASCAR.

After the race weekend at the Talladega Superspeedway, a slew of sanctions were distributed by the governing body. Another addition to a penalty-heavy year was the last straw for the racing fandom. Their reactions dripped with derision as they justifiably called out those arbitrary impositions.

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The post-race penalties are usually a hotly debated issue. Especially if they include points deduction of favored contenders. But this year NASCAR upped its ante with exorbitant fines and stringent deductions. Where an intentional attempt to outskirt the parameters or deliberate attack on an opponent is concerned, the scale of measures would be understandable. However, officials are repeatedly criticized for a lack of transparency and accountability in dispensing justice.

The infamous incident of Hendrick Motorsports‘ $ 100,000 fine, along with suspension and deduction, made headlines for months. As contentious as it was, at least that took place on the Phoenix Raceway and after regulated inspection. But the punishment meted out to Denny Hamlin when he detailed his altercation with Ross Chastain in his informal podcast was highly egregious. Without available specifications on the process of violations and appeals, the credibility of the entire system could be questioned.

Watch this story: Explosive Confrontation at Talladega: Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton Clash

In these circumstances, last weekend’s randomized sanctions brought the governing body under scrutiny again. From stripping Kevin Harvick of his runner-up position to Hamlin’s speeding penalty, the imposed measures dominated the race outcome itself. But the officials truly exposed themselves to fans’ ridicule after the race. NASCAR charged Chandler Smith for removing his head sock before the qualifying lap.

When Jeff Gluck shared this on his social media page, fans were quick to notice the flawed system. Particularly in light of the recent Truck Series scuffle between Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton.

Fans call out governing body for its twisted Talladega treatment

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The Truck Series Love’s RV Stop 250 race at Talladega Superspeedway gained prominence for all the wrong reasons. After a late-race collision between Sanchez and Crafton, the two drivers resorted to physical blows. The track argument built momentum and included Sanchez’s father. Whereas Crafton received a penalty of $25000, Sanchez was imposed $5000 as well as his father’s suspension. With no apparent rhyme or season to the chosen amounts after the assault, Smith’s $10,000 penalty for a head sock was downright laughable.

As a fan rightfully pointed out, “Yet a driver got fined less for threatening someone’s life”. The Sanchez-Crafton comparison was a common theme in drawing attention to Chandler Smith’s indiscriminate fee.  References were made to Nick Sanchez’s alleged threat during the exchange. It was even observed that the incident took place an hour after the race, outside their racing gear.

“Lol $10000 for not wearing a head sock. $5000 for threatening to kill someone. Makes sense lol”

“Taking off headsock: 10K Sucker punching someone an hour after you crashed out, having had enough time to switch to street clothes: 25K Lol”

Some users wisely noted the hypocrisy of permitting Smith’s lap despite ascertaining the violation in advance.

“They’ll allow it as long as you pay $10k after the fact. But it’s a safety issue, not a money issue!!”

“If they saw it and it’s a safety issue why was he allowed to go out. They should’ve told him to put it back on.”

With growing resentment against the current process, perhaps it was time for NASCAR to reevaluate such an integral aspect of the beloved sport.

Read More: “Too Many Damn Rules” – Racing Legend Calls Out NASCAR’s Intense Scrutiny; Takes a Jab at HMS’ $400,000 Loss