NASCAR has seen its fair share of on-track incidents and driver altercations in its history. From heated exchanges during post-race interviews to physical altercations on pit road, emotions can run high in the world of auto racing. Recently, Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney have shared their opinions on how such incidents should be handled and their thoughts on the infamous Noah Gragson and Ross Chastain feud.
Bubba Wallace gives his opinion on driver altercations and the Kansas feud
In a recent interview, Bubba Wallace was asked about the NASCAR Security officials stepping in between Noah Gragson and Ross Chastain after the Kansas race. When asked if officials should step in or if drivers should be able to duke it out, Wallace responded by saying, “I feel like you should be able to display your displeasure and treated like hockey I guess, let them go until they fall. Passion right and showing your frustration and that’s all right, people need to be put in their place sometimes.”
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Furthermore, Wallace cited last year’s Las Vegas incident involving Kyle Larson as an example of why people need to be put in their place. In the incident, Larson had dived under Wallace and Kevin Harvick, forcing Wallace into the wall and causing a multi-car accident. After the crash, Wallace had walked over to Larson and repeatedly shoved him before walking away.
He said, “I guess it just depends on who it is and you see, kind of, you know, Ross’s notorious. You know he’s been in the headlines a lot and I’m knocking on wood right now but him and I got out after the race and we have found each other like we had fun. But you know, looking at that replay, it was identical to what happened to Larson and I to Ross and I and in Fall Kansas.”
He further elaborated and said, “It’s tough. I mean, yeah, if a guy doesn’t lift on the bottom, he’s just gonna shove his wake into you. That’s a defense mechanism that we had learned with this new car, so it’s just pick and choose your battles.”
Ryan Blaney’s humorous take on Kansas and driver’s tussle
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Similarly, Ryan Blaney recently weighed in on the Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson altercation that took place at Kansas Speedway. When asked if security should get involved in such situations, Blaney responded with a humorous but insightful remark, “I think you should at least go one-for-one. Ross got one, Noah should be able to get one. Either don’t let it happen at all or let them get even, one for one. So, that’s, you can jump in after that. Maybe Noah would get the revenge shot. Which he did instigate it. Could go either way. Either don’t let them start it at all or at least let them get even.”
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Ryan Blaney, like several drivers, suggested that if there is a fight, each driver should be allowed to get in a punch before NASCAR security breaks it up. Then again, Blaney doesn’t seem to be someone who wants to start throwing punches. pic.twitter.com/NSxdnJdNpA
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 13, 2023
Blaney’s comments suggest that he believes drivers should be given a fair chance to express their frustrations and emotions on the track. He believes that drivers should be able to get even with each other if necessary. However, there should be limits to how far they can take it. Blaney’s humorous tone also suggests that he doesn’t take driver altercations too seriously and views them as a natural part of the sport.
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NASCAR has a long history of altercations and physical confrontations between drivers. While some drivers believe that these altercations have a place in the sport, others believe that they detract from the sport and set a bad example for younger fans. Regardless of where one falls on this issue, it is clear that driver altercations will continue to be a part of NASCAR for the foreseeable future, providing entertainment for the fans.