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Like any other major sports organization, NASCAR has had its controversies over the years. Here are seven of the most controversial moments that shocked fans and hosts.
7. The return of car number 3 (2014)
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Dale Earnhardt’s legendary No. 3 car returned to NASCAR in 2014 with Austin Dillon driving for Richard Childress Racing. That marked the first time since Earnhardt’s fatal crash in 2001 that the number would be used again in Cup.
Dillon, grandson of team owner Richard Childress, took pole position in the Daytona 500 that day, a symbolic feat, and was met with mixed reactions. Some fans considered the return of the number 3 to be a great tribute to Earnhardt, but others argued that it was too soon or wrong to bring the number back.
Related: The 20 Richest NASCAR Drivers of All Time: Where Does Dale Earnhardt Jr. Rank in the Top 20?
6. The 2008 Brickyard 400 tire debacle
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The race may not be remembered for many dramatic moments on the track, but the 2008 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has gone down as the year of the controversial tire fiasco. This was caused by the Goodyear tire explosion occurring every time after 10 to 12 laps, so NASCAR continually issued competition warnings.
Jimmie Johnson emerged as the winner; However, numerous interruptions and safety issues affected the race. Tony Stewart, frustrated by the situation, said: “It’s a shame Goodyear has to put us in this position.”
Also read: 20 worst car accidents of all time, including the Italian Grand Prix crash that claimed 15 lives.
5. Danica Patrick’s pole in the Daytona 500 (2013)
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In 2013, Danica Patrick became the first woman to take pole position in the Daytona 500. Although people hailed it as a victory for women in motorsports, it was controversial to conspiracy theorists, who didn’t think it was her. driving that got her there, but only the resources her team had.
While several male drivers had long careers with many pole positions but never managed to secure a victory, their lack of post-pole success sparked debates as to whether this was a publicity stunt or a genuine achievement.
But the noise did not overshadow Patrick’s achievement and was important in starting conversations about diversity, media representation and the continued search for equality within NASCAR and motorsports in general.
Related: The 6 Most Influential NASCAR Races in History, Including the Daytona 500
4. Richard Petty’s 199th victory
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Richard Petty’s 198th victory is controversial for some NASCAR fans and insiders. They believe that “the King” should not have 200 victories but 199 victories. This all started in 1983 at Charlotte Motor Speedway when Petty’s winning car was caught with an oversized engine and illegal tires after an inspection.
And earlier that season, NASCAR had penalized Tim Richmond for the same reason. For these infractions, Petty was fined $35,000 and deducted 104 points, but this time NASCAR let Petty’s win stand, sparking controversy for being what many believed was an unfair victory.
Related: 10 Questions Every NASCAR Fan Should Know The Answers To
3. The end of Talladega 2004
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The 2004 Talladega finish was controversial and the race angered many fans. Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were racing for the win on the final lap when a car behind crashed and brought out a caution. Gordon was leading halfway through the final turn, but Earnhardt Jr. passed him just before the finish line, making it appear that Earnhardt Jr. had won the race.
But, under the latest rules, the race was considered over under yellow flag and, as Gordon was in front, he was declared the winner. Some of the fans, who were primarily Earnhardt fans, openly showed their displeasure by throwing beers onto the track.
Related: The 10 Greatest NASCAR Fights of All Time
2. The Richmond scandal of 2013
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The “SpinGate” at the 2013 Federated Auto Parts 400 was the biggest scandal to rock NASCAR in recent years. The Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) team was accused of cheating by manipulating the race result to qualify Martin Truex Jr. for the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
This included Clint Bowyer intentionally spinning his car, which caused a caution flag to be thrown, benefiting Bowyer’s teammate Martin Truex Jr. In response, NASCAR imposed heavy penalties that involved a $300,000 fine to MWR. and the exclusion of Truex from the Chase. NASCAR President Mike Helton stated: “What occurred Saturday night was a significant attempt to alter the outcome of the race.”
Related: The 25 Greatest NASCAR All-Star Race Drivers of All Time
1. Dale Earnhardt vs. Terry Labonte (1999)
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At Bristol Motor Speedway in 1999, Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte battled on the track and were the actors in one of NASCAR’s most controversial finishes. Towards the final laps of the race, Labonte was leading as Earnhardt tried his hardest to pass him. On the final lap, Earnhardt collided with the rear of Labonte, causing him to spin and crash into the wall.
Earnhardt then proceeded to win the race, much to the outrage of many fans and Labonte. “Hit and run” was never prohibited in short track racing; However, doing it on the last lap to win a race was a dirty move. After the race, Earnhardt famously said: ‘I didn’t mean to turn it around; “I wanted to rattle his cage,” fueling the controversy. Many people still remember and talk about this race today.
Related: NASCAR Schedule: Races Today, This Weekend, How to Watch
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