NASCAR recently shared a throwback video on social media featuring an off-track physical fight between John Hunter Nemechek and Cole Custer. The post sparked a wave of criticism from fans, with many accusing NASCAR of double standards when the governing body has often penalized drivers for post-race fights and physical confrontations.
The video was from the 2016 NASCAR Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, where Nemechek’s and Custer’s aggressive on-track racing led to a physical altercation after the race. It was one of the most chaotic and famous moments in Truck Series history.
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After NASCAR shared the video on their social media accounts, fans expressed their frustrations. Several fans argued that NASCAR cannot penalize drivers for fighting while simultaneously using those same moments as promotional content to attract viewers and engagement.
Here are some of the fans’ reactions:
“You guys are a VERY HYPOCRITICAL. You’ll promote this to make money but then you’ll turn around and fine/take points away when these things happen that help promote the sport.” One fan wrote.
“Another post y’all are profiting off of someone else’s fine. Don’t use it as ads if you’re gonna deem it unacceptable behavior 🤷🏻♂️” another wrote.
“Glorifying fights on the main social page for a “sport” is crazy work. Not that I don’t want to see this stuff, but let’s not pretend that this doesn’t make your brand more like WWE than the NFL. Soap operas for men.” A third user said.
“This is an effin’ joke. An organization that doesn’t want their “players” to promote violence and then uses it to promote the sport. Well, welcome to the big leagues just like @nfl @mlb @nba and @NHL do it. Pathetic. #sports” another fan commented.
“Stop promoting this shit if you’re just gonna turn around and fine & get involved constantly.” A fifth user said.
What happened between John Hunter Nemechek and Cole Custer at NASCAR Canadian Tire?
Coming through the final turns at Canadian Tire, John Hunter Nemechek’s #8 NEMCO Motorsports Chevrolet caught up to Custer’s #00 JR Motorsports Chevrolet and bumped him to loosen him up. In the final corner, Nemechek slammed into Custer, driving both trucks completely off the asphalt.
The #8 driver pinned Custer’s truck against the outside wall as they drag-raced through the grass side-by-side, and they crossed the finish line locked together.
After the checkered flag flew, a frustrated Custer charged towards Nemechek and slammed him directly into the ground. Crew members and officials immediately separated the two drivers before additional punches could land.
Moments after Nemechek was declared the winner over Custer by a mere 0.034 seconds.
Edited by Yash Soni