NASCAR Penalizes Sammy Smith for Last-Lap Incident at Martinsville Xfinity Race
Martinsville, VA — NASCAR officials issued penalties to Xfinity Series driver Sammy Smith on Sunday following an aggressive last-lap maneuver during the Martinsville Speedway race, sparking controversy and altering the event’s outcome.
The incident occurred during a heated final-lap battle between Smith and fellow contender Chandler Smith (no relation) as the drivers jostled for position on the iconic half-mile short track. Video replays showed Sammy Smith’s No. 18 car making contact with Chandler Smith’s vehicle in Turn 3, forcing the latter into the wall and allowing Sammy to surge ahead. Chandler, who had led multiple laps, ultimately finished outside the top 10, while Sammy crossed the line in fourth place.
NASCAR swiftly reviewed the move post-race and deemed Sammy Smith’s actions a violation of Section 4.4.B of the NASCAR Rule Book, which prohibits “intentional contact or actions that endanger other competitors.” The penalty includes a 25-point deduction in the driver standings and a $10,000 fine. Additionally, Sammy’s team, Joe Gibbs Racing, was docked 25 owner points.
The decision has stirred mixed reactions. Chandler Smith criticized the move as “overly aggressive,” stating, “That’s not how racing should be done here.” Meanwhile, Sammy Smith defended his actions, claiming he was “just racing for the win” on a track where “contact is part of the game.” Joe Gibbs Racing has not yet announced whether they will appeal the penalty.
The points deduction drops Sammy Smith from fourth to sixth in the Xfinity Series standings, tightening the playoff race with five events remaining in the regular season. For Chandler Smith, the incident marked another setback in a string of tough finishes.
Martinsville Speedway, known for its paperclip-shaped layout and tight corners, often sees drivers push boundaries, but NASCAR’s penalty underscores its emphasis on maintaining sportsmanship. Veteran analyst Larry McReynolds noted, “While short-track racing thrives on aggression, there’s a line—and NASCAR made it clear Sammy crossed it.”
As the series heads to Talladega, all eyes will be on how Smith rebounds from the controversy. With playoff berths on the line, the penalty adds urgency to his campaign, proving that even in the closing laps, every move carries consequences.
