“Stop glorifying this stupid move”- NASCAR slammed on social media for using Ross Chastain’s banned wall ride to promote the Martinsville Cup race

The 2022 Cup Series season unveiled an audacious spectacle orchestrated by Ross Chastain. In the throes of competition at Martinsville Speedway, the Trackhouse Racing driver summoned his inner video game virtuoso. A high-risk, high-reward maneuver that tantalized and perplexed, birthing the epithet “The Hail Melon.” 

In the final moments of the race at Martinsville Speedway, with a spot in the Championship Four on the line, Chastain decided to ride the outside line of the wall with his foot floored. He leapfrogged five competitors without lifting, he secured a Championship Four spot, even breaking a track record, stealing it from Denny Hamlin. It was impressive but controversial, raising questions about its legality and safety. The move went viral on social media, accumulating over 100 million views.

Chastain’s daredevil escapade harkened back to his childhood days spent in front of a gaming console, steering virtual race cars in EA Sports’ NASCAR video games. In response, NASCAR decided to outlaw Chastain’s wall-riding trick, declaring it too risky. They warned that anyone trying it in 2023 and beyond would face a time penalty. This effectively ended the “Hail Melon” move in NASCAR.

With the NASCAR calendar hurtling towards Martinsville for the penultimate showdown, a bold gambit unfolded – NASCAR’s official handle shared the iconic wall ride, aiming to stoke the fires of anticipation for the upcoming race. It was a gamble that didn’t play out as anticipated.

Fans take it a step too far, suggesting replacing the traditional flyover with the “Hail Melon”

Fans unleashed their fury upon NASCAR for sharing footage of the banned maneuver. They launched a barrage of criticism, accusing NASCAR of exploiting an outlawed move to promote an upcoming race and appeal to a new fan base. The outpouring of anger was nearly unanimous, with the overwhelming majority of responses echoing these sentiments.

Despite the wave of criticism directed at NASCAR for sharing footage of the banned maneuver, a minority of fans celebrated it as one of the sport’s finest moves. One fan emphasized its rarity due to the ban, suggesting that a move like this should be cherished. Notably, one user proposed attempting the move with a stunt driver instead of the usual flyover during the upcoming weekend.

In conclusion, the controversial use of Ross Chastain’s banned wall ride to promote the Martinsville Cup playoff race has sparked a fiery debate across social media. While some view it as a reckless and irresponsible decision, others consider it an opportunity to celebrate a historic moment in NASCAR. 

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