One of NASCAR's top track owners engaged in a social media spat with a top driver, which eventually led to the deletion of the posts. The incident began when the driver criticized the repaving of Sonoma Raceway in California. The track owner, who owns 10 tracks on NASCAR's Cup Series schedule, took exception to the driver's comments about the new surface causing the cancellation of a sports car test.
The driver's initial post on social media pointed out issues with the repaving, which sparked the exchange. The track owner responded, leading to a back-and-forth that escalated into personal jabs about each other's accomplishments and abilities within the sport.
After the heated exchange, both parties expressed regret for the personal nature of the conversation and deleted their posts. The track owner emphasized the dedication of their team to improving the track surface and expressed optimism for the upcoming events. The driver also acknowledged his part in the argument and expressed a desire to move past the incident.
The incident highlighted the ongoing tension between NASCAR, track operators, teams, and drivers regarding revenue distribution. Teams are pushing for a larger share of NASCAR revenue, primarily generated from media-rights agreements. The current distribution model allocates a significant portion to the tracks, leading to disagreements among stakeholders.
Negotiations between NASCAR and the teams have reached a stalemate, with teams seeking a more equitable distribution of revenue. The involvement of a sports labor attorney indicates the seriousness of the discussions and the desire for a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.
Despite the contentious exchange on social media, both the track owner and the driver are looking ahead to future events and maintaining a positive outlook for the sport. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges in balancing the interests of all stakeholders in NASCAR.
For more NASCAR news and updates, visit the official AP NASCAR hub.
