Remember Matt Tifft? The youngest team owner in Cup Series history? Yes, that Matt Tifft, who sadly had to put his racing career on pause for a brain tumor in 2019. Well, this past Saturday, the 28-year-old made his glorious return to pavement racing in an ASA STARS Super Late Model race at Toledo Speedway. 

He was racing for 10th when Billy VanMeter of EDCO Welding spun him out early, leaving his car helpless in the path of an on-coming Evan Shotko. Tifft’s race was over after the ensuing contact. Naturally, he was unhappy with the perpetrator of his misfortunes. So when he made his way to the pit box of the VanMeter, most anticipated he’d gone there to talk it out with his rival. Instead, what followed was a full-blown brawl that left Tifft with a boot in his face, and a bloody nose, courtesy of a member from VanMeter’s race team.

And although the culprit has been rightfully suspended for his violent actions, his apology is falling on deaf ears inside the collective racing community.

Bloody brawl in ASA Toledo opens up a pandora’s box of trouble

Flaring tempers are not new to motorsport, where the margins of mistakes and their consequences can turn lethal in a second. But to harm a fellow human being intentionally cannot be justified, no matter the stage, the prize, or the occasion. Matt Tifft believed he could’ve finished top-10 in the Glass City 200. Sure, he probably had his reasons for being mad at VanMeter. But could he have waited a little longer to have that conversation? Maybe, although none of us can truly ascertain what went through his mind at that moment. But what VanMeter’s crew member did as other individuals tackled Tifft to the ground was downright shameful, if not goonish.

While Tifft was unaware, the

“man” in question, Bryan Glaze, punted him in the face vehemently and walked away from the situation. VanMeter walked into the frame with a clear view of the incident and did not hold his crew member accountable right then, which speaks volumes about his character. Regardless, on Monday, Glaze posted an apology from his social media handles, which went something like, “I’m sure by now everyone has saw the video going around I first of all want to apologize to Matt Tifft. I acted in a manner that isn’t acceptable and wish I could change it… Honestly thought he just knocked my little brother Billy out. I reacted outta anger which by any means isn’t acceptable. I can promise you one thing I’m very disappointed in myself and my actions…”

He concluded,

“I also want to apologize to Billy, Ed & Donne, Vandoorn Racing, and all of our sponsors.” When Matt Weaver posted an update of Bryan Glaze’s apology from his own Twitter handle, the grandstands came in strong numbers to condone the latter’s actions. One of those who commented was Donnie Wilson, a budding ASA car owner and driver. He wrote, “Wonder if he would like to apologize for slashing my hauler tires last year…” That incident happened at a wildly chaotic Winchester 400 last October. Interestingly, Wilson’s comment received a reply from none other than Matt Tifft himself, who wrote, “What a tool smh” about Bryan Glaze.

The thread holds some revealing discussions and is a must-see for anyone willing to delve into the depths of the issue. However, the ASA took the necessary step and suspended Bryan Glaze indefinitely from all ASA & CRA competitions. The sanctioning body also penalized the entire EDCO Welding team with a $2,000 fine, a 25-point deduction in the championship owner standings, and a probationary period. Additionally, Billy VanMeter was punished for causing numerous on-track incidents this year with a 25-point deduction in the driver’s standings. The ASA also fined Matt Tifft $250, docked him 25 championship points, and placed him on probation for the rest of the year for his role to play in the events.

But what has the fallout been like, and why did Matt Tifft receive a penalty if he was innocent?

Why Matt Tifft wasn’t off the hook either

As it turns out, it takes two to make a quarrel. According to the penalty statement released by ASA, the actions of Matt Tifft violate “

Section 1 Conduct, Rule 1 (Unsportsmanlike Conduct), and General Rules, Section 1 Conduct, Rule 5 (Fighting)” in the rulebook. In layman’s terms, Tifft impeded Section 1: Rule 5 for involving himself in a brawl at a sanctioned event.

On the flip side, Billy VanMeter informed the racing world on social media that his team had officially gone their separate ways with Bryan Glaze. In a personal statement, he wrote,

“I, Billy VanMeter, my race team, and family want to take a moment and apologize for the situation that took place at Toledo Speedway Saturday night. We have taken steps internally and Bryan Glaze is no longer with the team. Additionally, I as a driver am going to take all of this and try to grow and mature on and off the track.”

However, what he said next, revealed a more complete picture of the issue. “I was hit by Matt Tifft, he entered my pit as I stood next to my car, said ‘WTF’ and hit me. No one’s seeing that side of the story, it’s unfortunate how it turned out for all involved,” stated VanMeter. “We as a team want to apologize to our fans, sponsors, Toledo Speedway, the officials, drivers, STARS National Tour, and ASA. We accept the penalties and will learn from this and better as a driver and team.”

It sure looks like this story has plenty more developments to unfold soon. But to condone actions filled with violence only makes the world an undesirable place for those living in it. Of course, the regional scene sees its fair share of controversial atrocities. Should it get any better for the future generations? 100 percent, although incidents like this will only make that an even more distant reality.