“Straight Up NASCAR Approved Cheating” – Fans Hammer NASCAR for Providing Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs With a Headstart in Iowa

NASCAR came under a lot of scrutiny after prematurely confirming the Coca-Cola 600 race on Sunday. While that enraged the fans, the ruling body’s latest treatment of Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs only added more fuel to the fire. In fact, it helps them get an unexpected advantage ahead of the race at Iowa Speedway in June.

For years, Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing have been heavily dominant in the sport. While their image as NASCAR giants remains unquestionable, is it likely that they get special privileges because of it? Well, despite both teams registering a combined seven out of the top eight spots in the current Cup Series owner’s standings, NASCAR seemed to show some favoritism recently.

Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs’ team remain the favorites to win at Iowa Speedway

Not long ago, Joey Logano registered a dominant victory in the NASCAR All-Star Race. While it was impressive, many fans smelled the reason behind it being the advantage he earned in March. A couple of months back, Logano along with William Byron and Ty Gibbs received the opportunity to carry out a Goodyear tire test.

While the test took place at the newly repaved North Wilkesboro track, many believed it helped Logano and others get a headstart ahead of the All-Star Race. Naturally, the #22 driver dismissed such allegations. However, a similar situation arose recently with new news coming to light.

As reported by Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Brad Keselowski were chosen to test tires at Iowa on 28th May. While it was just a confirmation test, it was certainly bound to give the drivers an idea of the tires’ performance on the track.

Given that there are plenty of unknowns at a specific track, every little information matters. In fact, the very reason even the efficiency of pit stop activities plays a significant difference in the outcome of the races speaks volumes of how every detail matters.

In such scenarios, when NASCAR plans to make the races more even and competitive, the selection of drivers for testing tires certainly contradicts its approach. While Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs’ team drivers were present at NWS earlier this year, they have been given a chance at Iowa as well.

With lesser-strong team drivers not present for testing again, it certainly raises a lot of eyebrows. Understandably, the NASCAR fandom lost its cool witnessing this.

NASCAR community demands unbiased and equal treatment for all drivers when it comes to tire testing

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It is no secret how Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs remain two of the most influential figures in NASCAR. While their legacy is incomparable, both these giants certainly hold a lot of importance in the sport. Having said that, prioritizing Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing drivers does not give NASCAR a good look, regardless of the concerned activity.

With the tire testing at Iowa Speedway, the ruling body’s decision to once again involve HMS and JGR drivers encouraged a lot of disgust among the fans. One fan on Twitter was quite brutal and straightforward with his thought as he commented, “Straight up NASCAR approved cheating”.

Another fan went back to the Joey Logano context as tire testing played a key role in the Team Penske driver winning the All-Star Race. He said, “So since they are “tire” testing like Lagono did at North Wilksboro should we just bet on 1 of those 3 to win? Seems like testing all be it “tire” testing it helps.”

On the other hand, one fan stated the precise fact of preference not given to other team’s drivers. He said, “Great, one of these guys will win the race for sure. Like HMS, JGR or RFK racing need more help, they’ve just about won every race this year. I mean you couldn’t have had Spire, RWR or even 23Xi test, doesn’t seem fair the rich just get richer here….”

While the truth was spoken, another fan asked the million-dollar question. He asked, “Who determines what teams and drivers test tires?” It is a question worth asking. After all, who decides to give such uncalled-for advantages, and if it is to be done why are other team drivers not taken into consideration?

Regardless, NASCAR possesses the power to make it an even ground for all the drivers involved. Hopefully, the governing body will soon act on it and make it right for everyone.