Xfinity Series driver reveals NASCAR threat in aftermath of Martinsville drama

Today, NASCAR made the Xfinity Series drivers show up early to Darlington Raceway and explained how things are going to change. Last week at Martinsville was an absolute mess. Inexcusable. Now, some boundaries have been set.

I don’t think anyone is worried about a repeat at Darlington. Last week is still fresh on the drivers’ minds. But what about at Bristol in two weeks? What about Martinsville later in the playoffs?

According to an anonymous Xfinity Series driver, NASCAR laid out specific punishments. If someone steps over the line at the fall Martinsville race, they will be suspended for a week and will be held out of the Championship race at Phoenix.

“NASCAR officials declined to speak after leaving, but one driver in the meeting, granted anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the meeting, said that NASCAR threatened to suspend any drivers who acted similarly in October’s Martinsville race and hold them out of the championship event at Phoenix Raceway,” reported Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic.

“Officials prodded drivers to help NASCAR avoid making ball-and-strike calls on in-race penalties to clean up the racing because ‘we’ll call strikes’ if it continues.”

The last thing that NASCAR fans and drivers want is more officiating. We have already had perplexing decisions at the end of races this season. From letting races go green to throwing the caution immediately after a wreck. A lot has been inconsistent in just two months.

Unfortunately, the Truck Series is going to get off without a talking to by NASCAR. Let’s not forget how ugly that race got in the final stage at Martinsville. Then the Xfinity Series said, “Hold my beer.”

Xfinity Series taking on Darlington after Martinsville controversy

The NASCAR Xfinity Series is a fantastic series. It might be the best pure stock car racing that NASCAR has right now. That is, when the drivers have their heads on straight. Then there are the times when you are reminded that there are a bunch of 20-year-olds and teenagers in the series.

The Lady in Black will not show mercy. Drivers have to be on their best behavior at this track. No room for mistakes and playing grab ass on restarts. For the Xfinity regulars, there are two drivers to watch out for, though.

Christopher Bell is on the pole for this race. He won the pole for the Xfinity Darlington race last fall in the playoffs. In that race, he led the most laps and won in the end. Chase Elliott was P4 in that race last fall and is in the race today. Perhaps he is looking to get a little revenge.

Xfinity Series action is coming up on The CW. Cup Series qualifying is currently underway on Prime Video.