Matt Crafton and Nick Sanchez got into a fight at Talladega Superspeedway; NASCAR issues penalties
Nick Sanchez made contact with Matt Crafton just ahead of the tri-oval at Talladega Superspeedway. The contact sent Crafton through the infield grass, picking up heavy damage.
Sanchez went on to finish the race. However, after the event, Sanchez was walking through the garage area where chaos ensued.
Sanchez claims he received a tap on the shoulder and when he turned around, he was punched by Matt Crafton. Yet, Crafton denies any ‘Sucker punch’ claims.
Matt Crafton claims he didn’t “sucker punch” Nick Sanchez
Sanchez was pulled away from the scene by fellow driver Cory Roper. Sanchez was covered in blood as he visited the infield care center.
After exiting the care center, Sanchez noted that they glued injuries on his face. He also noted that he had a slight break.
NASCAR Fight at Talladega: Nick Sanchez vs Matt Crafton (Video)
NASCAR penalizes Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton
Matt Crafton has been fined $25,000 for the altercation. Nick Sanchez was fined $5,000.
Rene Sanchez, father of Nick Sanchez has also been suspended for the next two NASCAR events.
Additionally, NASCAR has issued a penalty to Chandler Smith. NASCAR noted section 14.3.1.1.F of the rulebook. Smith failed to wear a head sock and/or helmet skirt during qualifying. A $10,000 fine has been issued.
Talladega Results: September 30, 2023 (NASCAR Truck Series)
NASCAR comments on the fight between Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton
“If you look at our history with our drivers and how we’ve handled these situations, a suspension was definitely considered,” NASCAR’s Elton Sawyer commented via Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
“We had long conversations yesterday about that. This is where we landed. We felt like some of the comments that were made by Nick and we totally understand that’s in the heat of the battle, understanding the situation. But, we just can’t have those type of comments. That’s why he received the fine.”
“On Matt’s side, we looked at how Matt had had some time to think about the situation. It wasn’t like both drivers got out on pit road, heat of the battle and they have a discussion.”
“This one spilled over into the garage, some time after the event. That’s why Matt’s was at $25,000.”
“Having other people involved, whether it’s family or pit crew members, it doesn’t matter. If you’re in the middle of that and you’re trying to break it up, that’s one thing. If you’re in the middle of that and you’re throwing punches, we are going to react. We’re not going to tolerate that type of behavior.”
“We plan to sit down with the appropriate folks at Homestead in a few weeks and make sure we’re all on the same page.”
Talladega SuperSpeedway
Penalty Report
NASCAR Cup Series
Driver/Team: Chandler Smith No. 13
Infraction Date: September 30, 2023
Penalty Level: Safety
Infraction: (Sections 14.3.1.1 F): Driver Protective Clothing/Equipment
Penalty: Driver (Chandler Smith) has been fined $10,000.
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Talladega SuperSpeedway
Penalty Report
NASCAR Truck Series
Driver/Team: Nick Sanchez No. 2
Infraction Date: September 30, 2023
Penalty Level: Behavioral
Infraction: (Sections 4.3 A & 4.4 D): NASCAR Member Conduct & NASCAR Member Code of Conduct.
Penalty: Driver (Nick Sanchez) has been fined $5,000.
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Driver/Team: Matt Crafton No. 88
Infraction Date: September 30, 2023
Penalty Level: Behavioral
Infraction: (Sections 4.3 A & 4.4 D): NASCAR Member Conduct & NASCAR Member Code of Conduct.
Penalty: Driver (Matt Crafton) has been fined $25,000.
Other Penalties
NASCAR Member: Rene Sanchez
Infraction Date: September 30, 2023
Penalty Level: Behavioral
Infraction: (Sections 4.3 A & 4.4 D): NASCAR Member Conduct & NASCAR Member Code of Conduct.
Penalty: Rene Sanchez has been suspended from NASCAR through the remaining 2023 race schedule through Phoenix (November 5, 2023).
Links
Matt Crafton | Nick Sanchez | Talladega SuperSpeedway | NASCAR
