“Purist!” Mark Martin blames NASCAR format for Austin Dillon’s desperate moves from Richmond
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Mark Martin and Austin Dillon (Via IMAGO)
The last week was really controversial and dramatic for the NASCAR community. A desperate Austin Dillon won the Richmond race by wrecking race leaders Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano. But NASCAR wasn’t ready to let the blatant wreck slide and penalized the RCR racer hard by rescinding his automatic playoff entry.
The incident and penalty made many in racing community to yet again discuss the issues around lack of respect in the sport. Hall of Famer Mark Martin, who was the epitome of racing etiquette during his NASCAR days recently talked about the whole drama, after Dillon was penalized, via the DJD Reloaded podcast.
He pointed out that he doesn’t agree with the move pulled of by Austin Dillon, but admitted that alongside the driver, the championship format is also to blame for the incident. He admitted that it is disappointing to witness such finishes, as he grew up in an era of NASCAR where respect and dignity were everything in NASCAR.
I don't necessarily agree with it, um, but it is largely due to the format. I mean, this all started, um, you know, I'm a purist. I'm a racer. I'm a purist. I grew up in an era where, uh, respect and honor and dignity were everything.Mark Martin said via DJD Reloaded.
Mark Martin reveals his first reaction to seeing the Richmond race finish
While further talking to the point, Mark Martin admitted that his reaction as a fan to the whole ordeal at Richmond was just laughing. He laughed out loud seeing how outrageous the incident was and pointed out that it took some ball from Dillon to pull of something like that.
The first angle is straight up fan. I was sitting watching the race by myself and I laughed out loud. I mean, it was so outrageous that I laughed. You know, it takes balls to do what Austin Dillon did.Mark Martin said.
The points made by the NASCAR legend is on point and should be given the respect it deserves. Drivers has to learn from the likes of him and race with more respect. The sanctioning body has to draw some hardlines in the future if they don’t want to change the win at all cost format for playoffs.
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Justin P Joy
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