NASCAR’s star drivers rip Truck Series’ finale — “It’s a joke”

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Some of NASCAR’s top drivers expressed their strong dissatisfaction with Friday night’s crash-filled Truck Series finale, emphasizing that it was a tarnish on the reputation of the sport.

“I was thoroughly unimpressed,” stated Martin Truex Jr. “This is not professional auto racing. It’s a complete joke, and they need to address the issues.”

The race was heavily criticized by leading Cup Series drivers on Friday night due to its chaotic conclusion, which included Carson Hocevar causing a wreck that resulted in Corey Heim losing the championship. The race extended 29 laps beyond the scheduled distance due to numerous crashes on the track.

Truex, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch continued their criticisms on Saturday. Truex specifically called out Hocevar, who later apologized for the incident involving Heim.

“I believe it’s an act,” Truex stated. “He’s just pretending to garner sympathy for himself.”

Hamlin expressed the need for NASCAR to enforce stricter track rules and penalties for drivers who deliberately cause wrecks, suggesting that they should be sent to the back of the field. However, the 42-year-old driver is doubtful that any significant changes will occur.

Hamlin compared the Truck Series race to a football game without any rules.

“We’ll never reach that point,” Hamlin said. “I don’t think NASCAR will ever make that change. In my opinion, it’s not even a short-term benefit anymore. Sure, it generates some social media buzz, but this chaos we’ve created is not attracting more viewers.”

Truex pointed out that young drivers feel incentivized to engage in reckless racing because NASCAR turns a blind eye to their actions.

“The overall level of respect has gradually declined in the lower series over the years,” Truex explained. “We’re witnessing it now in the trucks. Where will it happen next? The Xfinity race in Martinsville last weekend was an absolute disaster. Honestly, it’s embarrassing for the sport.”

While Truex and Hamlin both qualified for the Cup Series playoffs this season, they fell short of making the final four. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron will compete for the championship in Phoenix on Sunday.

Kyle Busch recently announced the sale of his Kyle Busch Motorsports Truck Series team to Spire Motorsports. Instead of watching Friday’s Truck Series race, he chose to enjoy dinner with his family.

“There’s simply no respect anymore,” Busch remarked. “Everyone runs into each other, damaging equipment. So, yes, I’m relieved I’m no longer an owner. But honestly, I’m still a participant, so I still have to deal with it.”