10 Most Embarrassing NASCAR Moments at Martinsville Speedway

10. Bubba Wallace’s Revenge on Kyle Larson Goes Wrong (2022)

Frustrated after contact with Larson, Wallace retaliated and turned Larson’s car at Las Vegas — but the move backfired when Wallace wrecked himself too. The incident led to a one-race suspension and made him look reckless and out of control — a harsh lesson in NASCAR’s spotlight.

9. Tempers and Fights Everywhere

From Tony Stewart throwing helmets to Clint Bowyer sprinting down pit road to fight Jeff Gordon (2012), Martinsville has seen countless childish brawls and shoving matches that make highlight reels for all the wrong reasons.

8. Plane Crash Overshadows Race (2004)

During the 2004 Martinsville event, a Hendrick Motorsports plane crashed nearby, killing ten people. Jimmie Johnson’s win went uncelebrated — not embarrassing for individuals, but a haunting and tragic day that cast a dark shadow over the sport.

7. Denny Hamlin vs. Chase Elliott Feud (2017)

Hamlin spun Elliott while racing for the win, triggering massive fan outrage. Elliott confronted Hamlin on pit road, shoving him while the crowd booed loudly. The public meltdown between two top stars was ugly to watch.

6. “Martinsville Mayhem” – The Endless Pile-Ups

Year after year, Martinsville produces chain-reaction crashes that wipe out half the field. Some races devolve into demolition derbies, with red flags, tempers, and twisted sheet metal — embarrassing for drivers and officials alike.

5. Jeff Gordon’s Emotional Farewell Overshadowed by Chaos (2015)

Gordon’s last Martinsville win should’ve been a perfect send-off — instead, it was marred by the Kenseth-Logano crash, red flags, and angry radio chatter. What could’ve been a classy moment for the sport turned into a circus.

4. The “Hail Melon” Controversy (2022)

Ross Chastain rode the wall on the final lap, passing five cars and pulling off one of the wildest moves ever. While viral and spectacular, some officials and drivers called it “embarrassing for NASCAR” — likening it to a video game glitch rather than real racing.

3. Ty Gibbs Punches Sam Mayer After Xfinity Race (2022)

In a heated post-race fight, Gibbs threw punches at Mayer on pit road — while both still had helmets on. Fans roasted Gibbs for the “helmet-on hero” move, and NASCAR fined him for unsportsmanlike conduct.

2. Denny Hamlin Crashes Alex Bowman’s Burnout Party (2021)

After Alex Bowman won, Hamlin interrupted his victory burnout, parked nose-to-nose, and called him a “hack” on live TV. The tantrum overshadowed Bowman’s win and made Hamlin look petty in front of millions of viewers.

1. Matt Kenseth Destroys Joey Logano’s Playoff Run (2015)

In one of NASCAR’s most infamous moments, Matt Kenseth deliberately wrecked Joey Logano while multiple laps down, ending Logano’s playoff hopes. It was clear retaliation for an earlier incident — and it earned Kenseth a two-race suspension and heavy backlash.