Cup Series driver Christopher Bell has raised the alarm after Saturday’s controversial NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville, stating that “something needs to be done” to discourage careless drivers from colliding. He called the event on Saturday “absolutely embarrassing,” following Sammy Smith’s rear-end of race leader Taylor Gray on the final lap.
Austin Hill took advantage of the circumstances by seeing a space on the inside line and crossing the finish line first, but both drivers lost several positions as a result of the collision. Unfortunately, numerous auto accidents resulted from Smith and Gray’s interaction setting off a series of events.
Notable NASCAR figures including Todd Bodine, Jeff Gluck, and Denny Hamlin all called out the event. Bell has since spoken his opinions on the dispute as well. To Claire B. Lang, he said:
“I mean, yesterday was really annoying.” Observing it in the motorhome made my blood boil. It was a shame to our sport. We shouldn’t put up with that. The entire race, not just the final lap. We must demand more of ourselves than that. That was shameful.
Bell responded to the question of what could be done to address the issue by saying:
The Cup races have been nice, and I believe I stated on the COTA podium that hopefully this is a positive step. They have been excellent, just, and tidy. However, yesterday was a very embarrassing day. Something must be done. I’m not sure, but it probably begins in NASCAR. Yes, that was awful.
Bell said the following in response to the question of whether he would speak to the young drivers and provide a clean racing example:
“After the last race, I never considered going out to pit road to speak with the driver. In the Cup Series, though, I do hope we can set an example. We have had some excellent races this year. Indeed, the children need to improve in that area.
Gray finished in 29th position, and Smith went on to take 10th. Sadly, the conflict didn’t stop there. Before they almost clashed, Taylor went up to Smith outside the infield care facility. Nevertheless, the security stopped the two drivers from fighting.
Although their behavior on the track has been discussed, the off-track altercation has garnered a lot of attention as well, prompting many to wonder if the two drivers’ differences will worsen in the next races.
