Richmond, Virginia: One of the most contentious NASCAR finishes in recent memory occurred when Austin Dillon, the winner of Sunday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway, collided two racers in front of him on the last lap.
Entering the last turn of the race, Joey Logano was leading the way. Dillon failed to slow down for the turn and collided with Logano, turning him around. The driver of Richard Childress Racing then struck Denny Hamlin in the right rear, sending him into the wall, as Hamlin went underneath a momentarily delayed Dillon.
Because rough driving penalties are uncommon in NASCAR, officials decided to let the victory stand in spite of protests from other drivers.
“It’s chicken s—,” said Logano, who finished 19th. “There’s no doubt about it. He is four car lengths back, not even close. Then he wrecks (Hamlin) to go along with it. Then he’s going to go up there and thank God and praise everything with his baby. It’s a bunch of BS. It’s not even freakin’ close.
“Dude, bump-and-run, I get it. I didn’t back up the corner at all. He came in there and just drove through me. It’s ridiculous that that’s the way we race. Unbelievable.”
Driver Layne Riggs of the Truck Series received an in-race rough driving penalty from NASCAR earlier this year for bumping Stefan Parsons during a race. Citing safety concerns, it has suspended drivers who right-rear hook another opponent.
In the immediate aftermath of the race, NASCAR declined to pursue any further action pertaining to Dillon. Since all it takes to qualify for the playoffs is one win, he is now in the NASCAR.
“Absolutely a line was crossed, but it’s an invisible line,” Hamlin said. “It’s not defined. I mean, they have rules and provisions for stuff like this, but they never take action for it.”
Having finished the season without leading a lap, Dillon came into Richmond 32nd in the standings and was desperate to make the NASCAR playoffs. Before a late caution opened up overtime, he was already going to win the race, which would have been a stunning upset.
But the way he did it sparked controversy.
“I hate it, but I had to do it,” Dillon said. “Whatever it takes.”
“Saw that 3 car do that a lot,” said Keith Rodden, Richard Childress Racing’s interim competition director, referring to the late Dale Earnhardt.
“Unfortunately, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. He’s got to get into the playoffs.”
(Photo: Logan Whitton / Getty Images)
