NASCAR Imposes Fines on Matt Crafton and Nicholas Sanchez, Following Truck Series Fight in Talladega
NASCAR has issued fines to two drivers involved in a heated altercation during the recent Truck Series race at Talladega Speedway.
After the Love’s RV Stop 250 on Saturday, Matt Crafton and Nicholas Sanchez got into a physical altercation, resulting in injuries and threats.
NASCAR has now officially disclosed the penalties for these drivers. Matt Crafton is facing a fine of $25,000, while Nicholas Sanchez has been fined $5,000 for their role in the incident.
Matt Crafton fined $25K, Nick Sanchez fined $5K for postrace fight. No suspensions to the drivers.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 3, 2023
Notably, NASCAR did not suspend either driver, which is crucial for Sanchez, a 22-year-old rookie who is currently contending for the championship with only two races left in the season. However, Sanchez’s father received a two-race suspension for his involvement in the altercation.
According to NASCAR’s Vice President of Competition, Elton Sawyer via SiriusXM, “NASCAR typically lets drivers handle things. Sanchez fine for comments, while after being hit, can’t be said; Crafton’s fine b/c had time to think about situation so not like on pit road. Sanchez’s dad threw punch, so like crew member, suspended,” as reported by FOX’s Bob Pockrass.
On SiriusXM, Elton Sawyer said NASCAR typically lets drivers handle things. Sanchez fine for comments, while after being hit, can't be said; Crafton's fine b/c had time to think about situation so not like on pit road. Sanchez's dad threw punch, so like crew member, suspended.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 3, 2023
Matt Crafton shared a long post explaining the whole scene and later apologized to his team, sponsors and partners, family, and the NASCAR community for the negativity caused and the unnecessary attention it attracted on a good day of racing.
That is when it all went to hell. I had his attention, words were exchanged, all before anything physical took place, so I did not “sucker punch” the guy. There may not be video, but there were plenty of eye witnesses.
— Matt Crafton (@Matt_Crafton) October 1, 2023
2/6
…to get people hurt. There is a consistent pattern of certain drivers having a lack of respect on the track, and it was time for someone to say something.
— Matt Crafton (@Matt_Crafton) October 1, 2023
4/6
I apologize to my team, my sponsors and partners, my family, and the NASCAR community for the negativity and for taking attention away from a good day of racing at Talladega.
— Matt Crafton (@Matt_Crafton) October 1, 2023
6/6
However, Sanchez apologized for his behavior and accepted the penalty imposed by NASCAR in a statement he shared on his Twitter.
— Nicholas Sanchez (@Nicksanchez080) October 3, 2023
The next event in the Truck Series is the Baptist Health 200, set to take place at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 21st. Racing fans can look forward to an intense competition as the season approaches its conclusion.
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