NASCAR fined Matt Crafton $25,000; Nick Sanchez was fined $5,000
Nick Sanchez got into Matt Crafton at Talladega Superspeedway. Sanchez forced a three wide situation with little space, Crafton was hooked in the left rear.
After the race, Crafton found Sanchez by his hauler. According to Sanchez, he was tapped on his shoulder and as he turned around, Crafton was beating him in the face.
However, Crafton took to social media to refute that claim.
On Tuesday, NASCAR issued a fine to both drivers. Crafton was fined $25,000 and Sanchez was fined $5,000.
NASCAR issues penalty to Matt Crafton, Nick Sanchez
Crafton’s fine was much higher as NASCAR said he had time to think about his actions after leaving the race early. For Sanchez, he was fined for what he said after being punched.
Additionally, the father of Nick Sanchez was suspended for the rest of the season after joining in the fight.
NASCAR Fight at Talladega: Nick Sanchez vs Matt Crafton (Video)
Nick Sanchez comments
“At this time I will accept NASCAR’s penalty issued after the post-race occurrence at Talladega,” Nick Sanchez stated via social media
“It is a very unfortunate situation that negatively impacted a lot of individuals and the sport we all are so very passionate about and privileged to participate in each day.”
“As for the incident, anything that doesn’t pertain to bettering myself as a race car driver or winning doesn’t have my energy or focus and never will. I look forward to continuing my quest for the Championship in Miami.”
NASCAR Fight at Talladega: Nick Sanchez vs Matt Crafton (Video)
NASCAR commented on the fight between Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton
On Tuesday, NASCAR’s Elton Sawyer explained the penalties issued:
“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 Results: September 30, 2023 (NASCAR Truck Series)
Links
Matt Crafton | Nick Sanchez | Talladega SuperSpeedway | NASCAR
