The 2025 Xfinity Series race at Martinsville sparked major controversy, especially after Sammy Smith blatantly wrecked Taylor Gray on the final lap. The incident drew strong reactions from drivers and media alike. In response, NASCAR held a drivers’ meeting at Darlington to address the situation and set expectations moving forward. Race winner Austin Hill said the meeting was serious but effective.
On the “Hauler Talk” podcast, NASCAR’s managing director of race communications Mike Forde said officials made it clear how they felt about the incident and reminded drivers that the Xfinity Series is known for having some of the best racing in NASCAR. They don’t want one messy race to damage that reputation.
Iowa Speedway president Eric Peterson also pointed out how chaotic the Martinsville race was, highlighting how short the green flag runs became after the opening 53-lap stretch—dropping to runs of just a few laps each.
Veterans like Justin Allgaier and Austin Hill also spoke during the meeting. Dale Earnhardt Jr. later joked on social media that hearing Hill offer to mentor younger drivers gave him a good laugh.
