NASCAR veterans have been furious with the way drivers executed the Xfinity Race at Martinsville. The major highlight event was when multiple cars were involved in a massive crash in the last lap after Sammy Smith rear-ended race leader Taylor Gray. The incident caused Austin Hill to secure a surprise victory.
Sadly, the 256-lap race was driven under the yellow flag for 104 laps. Richard Childress Racing’s Hill got lucky as he only secured the lead on the last lap before crossing the finish line. The last-second triumph won him the $100,000 Dash4Cash bonus.
However, Cup Series drivers and NASCAR insiders have called out the way drivers concluded the chaotic race. Some reactions from X are below:
Here’s what Parker Kligerman had to say:
“Not the best display by the Xfinity series tonight. For most of the stuff through the field I feel I’ve almost become desensitized to it as it’s just become so common.
“But as I said, that move at the end was unacceptable. Especially since they were even on shots at each other.” [sic]
Not the best display by the Xfinity series tonight. For most of the stuff through the field I feel I’ve almost become desensitized to it as it’s just become so common.
But as I said, that move at the end was unacceptable. Especially since they were even on shots at each other…
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) March 30, 2025
The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck called it an embarrassing spectacle:
“Of course that race ended that way. Absolutely embarrassing. Shameful race.”
Of course that race ended that way. Absolutely embarrassing. Shameful race.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 29, 2025
Denny Hamlin seemed very angry. He wrote:
“God I wish I were in the booth. Id get fired but I damn sure would call these idiots out.” [sic]
God I wish I were in the booth. Id get fired but I damn sure would call these idiots out.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 29, 2025
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrote:
“This racetrack is historic in the grand scheme of all things NASCAR and deserves better.”
Hamlin replied to Earnhardt Jr.:
“It just takes 1 penalty and it will stop this s**t. For the short term that is. Gotta send a message.”
It just takes 1 penalty and it will stop this shit. For the short term that is. Gotta send a message.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 29, 2025
Former NASCAR champion Todd Bodine wrote:
“That wasn’t Racing, that was wrecking! These guys need to learn what Racing’s about.” [sic]
Despite the unexpected Xfinity Series race ending, Hill was delighted by the unexpected win. He told CW Sports after the race:
“I’m in disbelief that we’re in victory lane right now. It is unbelievable. I actually said during the race that I hated this place because of all the beatin’ and bangin’ that was going on… Man this is awesome.”
The Martinsville victory marks Hill’s 12th win of his Xfinity career.
Martinsville Speedway- NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Results
- Austin Hill
- Sheldon Creed
- Justin Allgaier
- Brennan Poole
- Sam Mayer
- Dean Thompson
- Daniel Dye
- Ryan Sieg
- Kris Wright
- Sammy Smith
- Jeb Burton
- Parker Retzlaff
- Aric Almirola
- Jeremy Clements
- Garrett Smithley
- Patrick Staropoli
- Josh Williams
- Ryan Ellis
- Blaine Perkins
- Carson Kvapil
- Corey Day
- Brandon Jones
- Brad Perez
- Harrison Burton
- Mason Maggio
- Matt DiBenedetto
- William Sawalich
- Connor Zilisch
- Taylor Gray
- Carson Ware
- Thomas Annunziata
- Nick Sanchez
- Myatt Snider
- Christian Eckes
- Kyle Sieg
- Greg Van Alst
- Jesse Love
- Anthony Alfredo
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