NASCAR penalty report from Martinsville Speedway
On Friday night, Martinsville Speedway hosted the NASCAR Xfinity Series. As expected, the show under lights brought the drama
Ty Gibbs, Sam Mayer, AJ Allmendinger and Riley Herbst were in a battle for a $100,000 bonus. Whoever finished higher of those four cars would collect the check.
Ty Gibbs was dominating the night. He opened with the stage 1 win and led most of stage 2 until a pit stop late in the stage.
In the closing laps, the race went into overtime. Sam Mayer spun his tires on the outside front row. He clipped Noah Gragson, spun him across the track in front of the field and the track was blocked, collecting 10+ cars.
As the race went into double-overtime, Ty Gibbs got loose. Brandon Jones worked to his inside and they raced for the win.
Heading into the final corner, Jones grabbed the lead. Gibbs was stuck on the outside but remained in position to grab the $100,000 bonus. However, Sam Mayer lined up his rear bumper and shoved Gibbs out of the way. As both cars struggled to gather it up, AJ Allmendinger slipped by and went on to grab the $100,000 bonus.
NASCAR fight
After the race, Ty Gibbs sped toward Sam Mayer. He knocked him several times on the cool down caution lap. Then, Gibbs pushed on his bumper as both cars returned to the pit lane. We’re just getting started…
Gibbs climbed from his car in a hurry, leaving his helmet on. He approached Sam Mayer and the two exchanged words with exuberance. A push by Gibbs was returned with a push from Mayer.
Without hesitation, Gibbs began swinging. Crews from both teams jumped in. In the aftermath, the altercation cut open the lip and eye of Sam Mayer.
Both drivers were escorted to the NASCAR hauler for a conversation with officials. The meeting in the principal’s office lasted 10 minutes before the drivers were sent back onto the playground.
NASCAR fight between Ty Gibbs and Sam Mayer at Martinsville (Video)
Ty Gibbs Fined $5,000
On Tuesday evening, NASCAR announced a $15,000 fine to Ty Gibbs. However, the fine wasn’t for fighting.
The penalty was issued due to the pit road contact. Gibbs ran into the back of Sam Mayer multiple times on the cool down lap. As they entered pit road, he was leaning on his rear bumper some more.
Violation Section: 4.3.A&E (NASCAR Member Conduct) and Section 8.8.8 (Crew member/Servicing) in the NASCAR Rule Book.
Additionally, the No. 54 car was found to have a loose lug nut in post-race inspection. The brings another $5,000 fine to the crew chief.
Martinsville Race Results: April 8, 2022 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)
Richard Childress Racing: Three suspended
In a separate issue, the No. 2 Xfinity Series team lost a wheel during practice at Martinsville. Sheldon Creed is the pilot of the machine.
Violation Section: 10.5.2.5.F (loss or separation of added ballast from the vehicle).
Crew chief Jeff Stankiewicz, car chief Kris McCabe and engineer Sam Bowers have all been handed a four race suspension.
NASCAR fight between Ty Gibbs and Sam Mayer at Martinsville (Video)
