The two NASCAR drivers had a bloody fight after the race at Talladega Superspeedway
In stage three, Nick Sanchez looked to the inside of Matt Crafton. He found himself three wide and with very little room.
Watch the NASCAR fight video below.
Crafton was hooked in the left rear as they rolled into the tri-oval. Sanchez was able to continue as Crafton picked up heavy damage and ended his day.
Sanchez crew member stated over the team radio, “We gotta be smarter here.”
After the race, a huge fight has broke out in the garage area. It involved drivers Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton.
Sanchez claims he was tapped on the shoulder and when he turned around, he was “sucker punched” by Crafton. However, Crafton tells a slightly different version of the story.
Hear from both driver below.
Crew members jumped into the scene quickly but it appeared they were just separating the two drivers. Another driver, Cory Roper was seen helping Sanchez to his feet while also separating the two.
In the video below, Sanchez was seen rolling on the ground with crew members. As he stood up, blood was running off his face.
“I’m going to fucking kill you at Homestead. You fucked with the wrong guy mother-fucker. It’s on now,” Nick Sanchez was heard screaming in the video.
Behind Sanchez, multiple NASCAR officials can be seen calming walking out from under the garage into the scene.
Sanchez is 22 years old. Matt Crafton is 47.
Crafton is a three-time NASCAR Truck Series champion. He claimed the title in 2013, 2014 and most recently in 2019.
Sanchez is in his debut season with the NASCAR Truck Series. He’s collected two top-5s and eleven top-10s.
NASCAR says they are investigating the altercation. Any penalties from NASCAR would be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Talladega Results: September 30, 2023 (NASCAR Truck Series)
Nick Sanchez comments after the fight
Sanchez was taken to the infield care center after the fight. He stopped and gave his side of the story…
“I was walking back to the hauler, a tap on my back and I got punched in the face,” Nick Sanchez stated.
“Cheap shot. But, it is what it is, I guess. I’m all for fighting but no cheap shots. I never really had a chance of to get him back.”
“It was an aggressive move I made. But, I held my line. It happens every year.”
“I think they just glued my face. Have a slight break over here,” Sanchez pointed at his nose. “But, I’m fine.”
Hailie Deegan’s dad Brian Deegan calls out Nick Sanchez (Video)
Update: Matt Crafton provides his side of the story
Matt Crafton is generally quiet on social media. However, he reactivated his X account to tell his side of the story on Sunday afternoon…
“Here is what wasn’t caught on video,” Matt Crafton opened via social media.
“First, let’s address the “sucker punch.” Before the cameras started rolling I approached Nick and said “hey” when he turned around I said “what the —?!” to which he looked right at me and threatened me.”
“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.”
“What people don’t take into account is that he all but “sucker punched” me at 200 mph. The way he pushed my truck gave me no ability to get out of the situation and he was told multiple times during that race the way he was pushing people was going to cause a wreck and going 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.”
“Am I proud that it got physical, no, but last time I checked everyone on that track is a grown adult. If a man looks at me and threatens me, I am going to react. Especially when tempers are already flared from being wrecked on the track.”
Crafton concluded, “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.”
NASCAR crew member struck during Talladega pit stop (Video)
Nick Sanchez vs Matt Crafton
Fight Video
Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton
Talladega Superspeedway
Crash Video
Links
Matt Crafton | Nick Sanchez | Talladega SuperSpeedway | NASCAR
