Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton got into a fight after the race at Talladega Superspeedway; Sanchez left the scene covered in blood
On Saturday, the NASCAR Truck Series raced at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. The race ended with a dramatic fight in the garage area.
Hear from Matt Crafton below.
Nick Sanchez looked inside of Matt Crafton heading into the tri-oval at Talladega Superspeedway. They ran three wide with very little room. Crafton ended up turned through the infield.
Crafton climbed from his truck and walked by the pit stall of Sanchez. He traded a few words with the pit crew but Sanchez remained in the race.
After the race, Sanchez claims he was walking to his hauler when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He added that when he turned around, he was “sucker punched” by Crafton.
Nick Sanchez says he was “sucker punched” by Matt Crafton
However, on Sunday afternoon, Crafton took to social media to tell his side of the story. His version is slightly different and he denies any “sucker punch” was thrown.
Sanchez was pulled away from the scene with a busted eye and blood running down his face. After a trip to the care center, they glued his face and said he had a “slight break” in his face.
NASCAR is investigation the altercation. Any penalties are likely to be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday.
NASCAR Fight at Talladega: Nick Sanchez vs Matt Crafton (Video)
Matt Crafton comments
“Here is what wasn’t caught on video,” Matt Crafton opened via social media on Sunday afternoon.
“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.”
Talladega Results: September 30, 2023 (NASCAR Truck Series)
Links
Matt Crafton | Nick Sanchez | Talladega SuperSpeedway | NASCAR
