Tyler Reddick takes issue with Austin Dillon's race-winning moves at Richmond

Following the conclusion of last night’s NASCAR Cook Out 400 at Richmond, Tyler Reddick was left puzzled at what Austin Dillon did to win. Reddick had a front-row seat as he finished P3 to the carnage that the 3 car unleashed on Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin.

Austin Dillon overdrove the final corner straight into the back of Joey Logano from multiple car lengths back. Less a bump-and-run than it was a hit-and-run. Coming off the back of the 22 car, Dillon was a bit out of control and right rear hook Denny Hamlin.

Now, it’s hard to say if the wreck on Hamlin was intentional or not. Dillon’s spotter was heard on radio telling Dillon to get “down” and then “wreck him” right before that very wreck happened.

Tyler Reddick was not impressed with Austin Dillon’s move, and said as much on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. In fact, he is more upset he has to take time to tell his son that what he saw on TV was not appropriate racing.

“From what I’ve seen, from what I’ve personally experienced, I’ve always understood if you right hook somebody, you’re gone for a couple of races, you’re losing points, you’re not getting the finish on track where you did, you get some sort of a penalty,” Reddick explained. “That’s the part that I’m struggling to understand. But I mean, I guess I get it. I mean, it ultimately worked out, the 3 won the race and he’s in the playoffs. Just very surprised by all of it.”

Tyler Reddick worried about setting example for kids

During his spot on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Tyler Reddick continued railing against the last-lap finish. When it comes to building a healthy sport, it starts at the grassroots, but the lessons trickle down from NASCAR.

“It was really, really crazy. I think when you think about this not just our sport, but globally, we’re pretty safe in our cars. I’m worried about what this does for the young kids watching the sport. My kid watching the sport.

“My kid thinks it’s okay because NASCAR thinks it’s okay. I had to explain to him what happened was not okay. That’s the crazy precedent they’re setting. My four-year-old thinks it’s okay to right-hook somebody potentially driver’s side, into a wall because NASCAR said it’s okay. That’s what I have a problem with. If what happened last night was okay at Richmond, why would it not be okay at Phoenix to win a championship? Do we really want the guy that wins the championship to right-hook a fellow Championship 4 contender? They just basically said that’s okay. That doesn’t sit well with me.”

Tyler Reddick makes a great point. The fact Dillon got away with it at Richmond, if unpunished, sends a clear signal to the field. Phoenix, the championship track, is a short track. So, if I’m a driver in the Championship 4, why wouldn’t I wreck someone to win?

Will NASCAR make a change to its policy after this incident? Will there be a punishment for Austin Dillon this week?