NASCAR Penalizes Sammy Smith $25K, 50 Points for Martinsville Incident

NASCAR has penalized Sammy Smith, driver of the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, with a $25,000 fine and a 50-point deduction for his aggressive actions during the final lap of the US Marine Corps 250 at Martinsville Speedway. Smith's intentional bump of rival Taylor Gray caused a multi-car wreck, allowing Austin Hill to win the race while Smith finished 10th and Gray 29th. The penalty drops Smith from sixth to 13th in the Xfinity Series standings, just one point below the postseason cutline. Additionally, both Gray and Jeb Burton received $5,000 fines for inappropriate conduct in the infield care center following the race. NASCAR officials emphasized that while hard racing is expected, Smith's actions were deemed excessive and not in line with competitive racing standards. The penalties reflect NASCAR's commitment to maintaining a fair and safe racing environment.