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And There’s A Fight! Crafton, Sanchez Brawl Post-Race at ‘Dega

TALLADEGA, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 30: Nick Sanchez, driver of the #2 Gainbridge Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Love's RV Stop 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on September 30, 2023 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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Tempers between the veteran and rookie boiled over following the Big One at 'Dega

What’s Happening?

The craziness that was the Love’s 250 at Talladega carried over post-race as driver of the No. 2 Chevy for Rev Racing, Playoff driver, Nick Sanchez, and Matt Crafton got into an intense fight following an incident coming to two laps to go, triggering the notorious Big One.

The incident occurred as the two drivers were fiercely battling for position near the back half of the top 10. Approaching the trioval, Crafton in his No. 88 Menards Ford drifted up the track, opening a small hole for Sanchez to in the nose of his No. 2 machine. Not knowing that the youngster was there, Crafton moved down and turned across the nose of the Rev Racing Chevrolet.

From there, chaos ensued and that insanity bubbled over after the race as the two became locked in an epic brawl for the ages, sending Sanchez to the infield care center with a bloodied face.

You Need To Know:

  • Following the on-track incident that, most race fans and industry insiders might just consider a natural by-product of superspeedway racing, especially coming down to the closing laps, a very angry Matt Crafton drove his No. 88 Ford into the pit stall of the No. 2 of Sanchez and parked it. He got out and made his way over to the infield care center where he was checked and subsequently released. He then changed into his street clothes and seemingly lurked behind the wall, waiting for Sanchez. Shortly thereafter, the fight broke out.
  • According to Sanchez, Matt Crafton came up to him, tapped him on the shoulder, and sucker-punched him from behind. After that, all hell broke loose. While the status of Crafton is not currently known, Sanchez’s face was glued up to close the gaping wounds.
  • At this time, it is not known whether or not NASCAR will act on this matter. What we do know is that the fight is currently under an internal investigation with a decision to be made later. While there is precedent for punishment based on past cases, we do not currently know what route NASCAR will choose to take with this specific incident. What we do know is that the fans will always voice their opinions in moments of controversy. In this instance, it would seem that most of them have come down squarely on the side of Sanchez, many of them calling for Crafton’s suspension.

Below, in a video provided by Frontstretch, you can see video footage of the tail-end of the fight:

Here, in footage provided by NASCAR on FOX, you can see the inciting incident:

And here, in a video provided by Movement on Twitter (or X), you can see a different angle of the brawl.

We, here at the Daily Downforce, will be sure to update you on any news regarding this fight going forward. NASCAR is expected to make a decision sometime this week, likely by Tuesday.

The Main Characters

The scene was very different immediately after the race. Our friends at Frontstretch Media and reporter WyattGametime caught up with Sanchez post-race while still on the grid. This was shortly before the alleged cheap shot from Crafton. Sanchez characterizes the on-track incident as a racing deal that happens with this kind of rules package.

Immediately following the on-track carnage, Crafton pulled his truck into the No. 2 pit stall and parked it. Post-race, he could not be reached for comment.

In this video, provided by journalist Noah Lewis, Nick Sanchez characterizes the shot by Crafton as a “sucker punch” and details what exactly started the brawl. Sanchez maintains that he held his line. When asked about what it meant for Homestead, his press manager ended the interview.

Around The Garage

ThorSport Racing here updates fans on the status of their drivers, Matt Crafton and Ty Majeski immediately following the Big One.

From The Officials

Journalist Michael Massie reports here in this tweet that NASCAR is gathering all the information they can and will make a decision on the incident later this week.

Jim Utter also states here that NASCAR is investigating the whole ordeal.

In The Stands

As a Family Guy fan myself, I approve of this meme. Way to go, Truexfan56!

He is crawling up there in age, isn’t he, Justin Champagne?

Nick Sanchez definitely came out looking like a champion after that altercation, which I’m sure was the opposite of Crafton’s desired outcome. Woooo!

Zach Vortex calls for NASCAR to suspend Crafton. They might, Zach, they just might.

Michael Flanigan (no, not the director…I think) tweeted this commentary. Yeah, I’m sure a lot of Matt Crafton fans (to the extent that he has any) are very disappointed in their driver’s behavior in the twilight of his NASCAR career.

Dustin McGrew calls Crafton out for causing his own wreck.

Sharon Crady is in the minority, claiming that Sanchez caused the wreck. Will Dorado clapped back, saying that Crafton wrecked himself.

Brian calls for Crafton to just hang up the gloves and retire. Will Dorado again agrees.

Jimmy Zajac chastises Crafton, as a veteran of the Truck Series garage, for not holding himself to a higher standard.

On Your Screen

Our friend over at Black Flags Matter on YouTube, Darian Gilliam, also calls for Crafton’s suspension.

One of my favorite YouTubers, Daniel Kriete feels the same.

From The Pressbox

Our friend, Dale Tanhardt, gives his commentary.

LT gets in on the Crafton dogpile, saying that the veteran should be ashamed of himself, calling the move “just plain stupid”.

Matthew Burroughs thinks that Matt Crafton’s career may be petering off, citing this as an indicator.

nascarman updates his NASCAR in King of Queens terms, using the harsh words Sanchez spat at Crafton after the brawl.

Journalist, Seth Eggert, tweets that there is precedent for the suspension of a driver after such behavior, though he doesn’t know what the consistently inconsistent NASCAR officials will do in this specific case.

Pit Pass Network hilariously tweets this real-life footage of Matt Crafton training for the next big fight. Tickets are on sale now! LET’S GET READY TO RUMMMMMBBBBLLLLEEE!

What do you think, Daily Downforce readers? Should Crafton be suspended after this incident? Was the wreck Sanchez’s fault or Crafton’s fault? Sound off and let us know! And, when you’re done, come back right here for all your latest news, stories, and discussion topics, not to mention YouTube content, on this wonderful world of NASCAR!

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Cleetus McFarland Explains The One Catch to His NASCAR O’Reilly Series Schedule

by Kauy Ostlien

What’s Happening?

Garrett Mitchell, better known by his online persona Cleetus McFarland, says his 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series schedule isn’t set in stone, something the YouTube star explained to Dale Earnhardt Jr on the latest episode of The Dale Jr Download.

One of the biggest surprises in recent NASCAR news is that YouTube star Cleetus McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell, will make his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut next month at Rockingham Speedway.

Mitchell, who has just won a NASCAR National Series start to his name, will make this start with Richard Childress Racing in their No. 33 car as part of a part-time development contract that will see him make starts in 2026 and 2027.

Per Mitchell, his contract will cover three races per season, though he hinted it could be more in a Facebook post. Nonetheless, fans are eagerly awaiting an official schedule of what other tracks Mitchell and RCR will tackle in 2026.

Unfortunately, fans will have to wait a little longer for this schedule, as the 30-year-old Floridian explained during a recent interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr, his 2026 schedule is still up in the air a month ahead of his first race.

During an interview on the latest episode of the Dale Jr Download, Mitchell told Earnhardt that while he plans to race the superspeedways after Rockingham, with his sights set on Talladega’s April 25 or October 24 race weekend, the decision lies in the hands of NASCAR.

“NASCAR said I cannot run Talladega unless I go to Rockingham first and do well,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell then clarified that while he will have a rookie test for Rockingham, the race at Rockingham will determine his eligibility to race at Talladega.

Stirring the Pot

Mitchell, who has two ARCA starts at Daytona and one at Talladega, has already taken a rookie test this season at Rockingham for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Despite a minor crash during this test, Mitchell was cleared to race in the season-opening race at Daytona, crashing himself in a single truck spin five laps into the race, after a valiant qualifying effort.

Even with the barrier of Rockingham in the way, fans are already somewhat concerned about McFarland’s skills, given the result of his short time behind the wheel of a truck.

During this episode of The DJD, Mitchell expressed his intentions to work his way up the ladder and learn, but with the caveat that if an opportunity presents itself to him, he will take it, using the Daytona 500 and the NASCAR Cup Series as a metaphorical example.

“I don’t want to drive a Cup car right now. But, brother, if someone calls me and says, ‘We got a spot in a Cup car in the Daytona 500?’ I mean, what am I supposed to do?” — Cleetus McFarland

Despite his doubters, with the support of RCR and their developmental tools, Mitchell seems confident about the opportunity, already getting in some sim time with RCR.

Either way, no matter how much support he has in his corner, Mitchell is diving in headfirst once again with this opportunity.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Cleetus McFarland’s First NASCAR Diecast is Officially Available for Pre-Order

by Kauy Ostlien

What’s Happening?

Lionel has officially opened pre-orders for Garrett Mitchell’s (better known as Cleetus McFarland) first-ever NASCAR diecast.

  • This announcement comes as part of his upcoming debut in NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next month. While the sponsor, Tommy’s Express Car Wash, and car number, No. 33, are known, there has yet to be an official render of his paint scheme released to the public.
  • Lionel Racing is offering two diecast options for Mitchell: the first option is the 1:64 scale diecast at $11.75, and the second is a 1:24 scale diecast at $70.00. As of press time, it appears the car will not receive any other options, such as Special Finishes like Color Chrome or Galaxy Colored.
  • Mitchell announced his first NASCAR OAP Series race on Wednesday afternoon, signing a two-year, three-race-per-year deal with RCR. This is a major step for the YouTube star turned NASCAR driver, who made his ARCA debut last season.
  • Due to his popularity both in and out of NASCAR, Mitchell’s diecast may be one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Many race fans are already giving bold predictions for the large order quantity this car will receive by the time it reaches production.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

BRISTOL, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 11: Garrett Mitchell, also known as Cleetus McFarland, driver of the #30 Kenetik Ford waits on the grid prior to the ARCA Menards Series Bush's Beans 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 11, 2025 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

UPDATE: Cleetus McFarland Will Race in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series This Year

by Kauy Ostlien

What’s Happening?

YouTube star-turned-NASCAR driver Garrett Mitchell, best known by his online persona Cleetus McFarland, has signed a part-time deal to race with Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series for the next two seasons.

UPDATE 3:00 PM EST: Per RCR Mitchell will make his debut at Rockingham Speedway on April 4.

  • Mitchell announced his signing with RCR in a Wednesday afternoon post on his Facebook. The 30-year-old says that RCR reached out, offering to make him “a better driver and give you an opportunity to grow in this sport.”
  • The Floridaian will drive the team’s part-time No. 33 on a part-time basis over the next two seasons. Mitchell claims in his post that the deal is three races a year, but hints it could be more, saying “3 races a year right now.”
  • Mitchell, who made his NASCAR debut last season with a four-race schedule in the ARCA Menards Series, has brought a legion of fans to NASCAR in his few starts. So far, Mitchell has made five career starts in the ARCA Menards Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
  • That start in the Truck Series, at Daytona earlier this season, was a spark of controversy, as, after crashing in his test for approval, Mitchell crashed himself early on in the race. While he has his supporters, including many in the garage area, this move up the NASCAR ladder will likely see some pushback from fans across the board.
  • As of press time, Mitchell has yet to announce his first race of this part-time schedule with RCR.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.