Austin Dillon clinched a controversial victory in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond on Sunday night, leading to a strong defense from his grandfather and car owner, Richard Childress.
In a dramatic finale, Dillon, who was in second place, spun driver Joey Logano as they approached the last lap. As Logano lost control of his car, Denny Hamlin attempted to pass Dillon, prompting him to turn left and send Hamlin into the wall. This maneuver allowed Dillon to cross the finish line first, securing his first win in two years.
After the race, Dillon expressed his determination to do whatever it took to secure the victory. Childress supported his grandson’s aggressive driving style, indicating he had instructed Dillon to be fierce in his pursuit of a win. “They would have done it to him, you know?” Childress remarked, reflecting on the cutthroat nature of racing. “When it comes down to winning a race, you’re hungry, you do what it takes.”
In the post-race conference, Dillon admitted that he intended to take out Logano but described his move against Hamlin as a spontaneous decision. He maintained that he was focused on racing Logano, which led to his “reaction” when Hamlin appeared.
NASCAR officials did not impose any immediate penalties on Dillon following the incident, although they left the door open for possible disciplinary action. Any decision regarding penalties would be made by Tuesday. It would be unusual for NASCAR to strip Dillon of the victory.
Dillon, who started the race 32nd in the points standings, was aware that a win was essential for his playoff chances. He acknowledged the aggressive nature of the sport, suggesting that the current leniency towards rough driving practices is simply part of NASCAR culture.
Denny Hamlin condemned Dillon’s actions, labeling them a foul according to sports standards. He pointed out the lack of penalties for aggressive driving in NASCAR, which allows for such tactics. Hamlin expressed frustration over being taken out of contention, noting the physical toll it took on him.
Despite the contentious nature of his win, Dillon’s actions sparked significant conversation in the media, highlighting the fine line NASCAR walks as it attempts to captivate both loyal fans and newcomers in a changing sporting landscape.