Criticism Rages as NASCAR Suspends Freddie Krafts What an Idiot Award Winnerfor Crimina
NASCAR enthusiasts are no strangers to controversies. Be it the on-track run-ins, driver rivalries, or fines and suspensions imposed by the governing body, most races have their own set of after-effects. However, what happened during last week’s race at the Hickory Speedway has shocked and enranged several people across the NASCAR fraternity.
Primarily because the 3/8 mile track race ended with criminal charges and an arrest. The never-seen-before incidents on the track found their way to the spotters’ stand, after which a racer’s spotter was suspended by NASCAR.
“Get full throttled by a psycho maniac”: Here’s what happened at Hickory Speedway
During the race on Sunday, Camping World Truck Series driver Landon Huffman and Annabeth Barnes-Crum made contact on the tracks of the Hickory Speedway. With just three laps to go, Barnes-Crum pushed Huffman into the outside wall while Huffman lined up on her car’s rear bumper to take hold of his position with a bump and run.
However, in an attempt to seek retribution, Barnes-Crum once again tried to hook Huffman but instead spun herself out, leading to a caution. But even when the race was still under caution, Barnes-Crum drove over the right rear of Huffman’s car which lead to some serious damage for both the vehicles.
Explaining the incident on YouTube, Huffman stated, “As many of you know, this is Landon Huffman, driver of the No. 75. And, I’m about to get full throttled by a psycho-maniac in the No. 12.”
However, the fight further escalated and took a turn for the worse when Jake Crum, Annabeth Barnes Crum’s husband approached Landon’s father Robert Huffman in the spotters’ stand. Having entangled in an ugly fight with Landon’s father who is also a veteran driver, Jake Crum was escorted out by the track officials.
Landon Huffman claimed that Jake hit his father in the back of his head and added, “You can see Crum repetitively try to stomp on my dad, while he’s down. Just absolutely out of control and uncalled for.” Owing to the injuries suffered by his father, the Huffman family pressed charges against Jake who has since been arrested.
WATCH THIS STORY: “Lost His F***Ing Mind”—NASCAR Insider Blasts Kyle Busch’s Latest Nemesis & Exposes NASCAR’s Hypocrisy Against Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Podcast Empire
How did NASCAR react to Freddie Kraft’s “What an Idiot” Award Winner’?
Gravely disappointed by the actions of Jake Crum, Bubba Wallace’s spotter Freddie Kraft expressed his views on Twitter. Demanding repercussions for Crum’s ‘criminal behavior,’ Kraft questioned on Thursday why had the governing body not announced any penalties for the incident yet.
Missed my chance to give the Crum’s my What An Idiot award on Monday, after their criminal behavior Sat night.
But here we are Thursday afternoon, and still haven’t heard of any penalties from @NASCAR or @hickoryspeedway.
Maybe I missed it? 🤷🏻♂️
— Freddie Kraft (@FreddieKraft) May 25, 2023
And as per the recent updates shared by Motorsports Journalist Matt Weaver, NASCAR has suspended Jake Crum’s license for the rest of the season. Moreover, the governing body made it clear that Crum’s membership eligibility will be reconsidered by NASCAR only upon the receipt of his application in 2024.
Update: NASCAR has notified its member Home Tracks that Jake Crum has had his license suspended for the remainder of the 2023 season for all events it sanctions. pic.twitter.com/46NekRFzYy
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) May 25, 2023
Apart from Kraft, several other members of the NASCAR fraternity condemned Crum’s act. The list of drivers who shared their disappointment with him includes drivers like Ryan Vargas, Michael Keith, Vicente Salas as well as journalist Tobie Christie among many others.
Hours After Landon Huffman’s Father Got Stomped by Rival Spotter, the NASCAR Driver Shoots “Clotheslined” Accusations With a Recent Update
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pr%2FSnqWtoZGhubq%2Fz6ipratemLyue82aqpyZomK7psPSZpqroaSesKq%2FzGapmp%2BVqHqiv4ynmKybkad6tMHSqZynnKNis7Oxw52gnmWbp66nwNJmrqGZpGKur3nInaCorF2WxKK%2Bw2auoqaemr9uss6rZJyqmaK2r63LZpmeoJGrtrDB0Wg%3D