Top 10 NASCAR Teams Who Supposedly Sabotaged Their Own Drivers

10 NASCAR Teams Who Sabotaged Their Own Drivers

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

10. Richard Childress Racing vs. Kevin Harvick (2013)

Harvick accused RCR of withholding resources once he announced he was leaving for Stewart-Haas. The team’s performance visibly dropped, fueling rumors of internal retaliation.

9. Team Penske vs. Ryan Blaney (2018–2020)

Despite strong runs, Blaney repeatedly got questionable strategy calls that cost him wins. Fans felt he was treated as the “third priority” behind Logano and Keselowski.

8. Joe Gibbs Racing vs. Erik Jones (2020)

Jones was suddenly told he wouldn’t return, and support around the No. 20 team noticeably collapsed. His final races felt more like an exit tour than a competitive run.

7. Stewart-Haas Racing vs. Tony Stewart (2015–2016)

Internal chaos, poor cars, and lack of direction left Stewart frustrated in his final years. Many believed the team failed to adapt while their superstar declined.

6. Hendrick Motorsports vs. Kyle Busch (2007)

Busch was benched mid-season for Dale Jr. before the year was even over. The tension clearly hurt results and pushed Busch out the door.

5. Roush Fenway Racing vs. Matt Kenseth (2012)

Roush refused to match Kenseth’s market value, then shifted support away from the No. 17 once he announced his exit. Kenseth still won races despite feeling sidelined.

4. Petty Enterprises vs. Kasey Kahne (2010)

A declining team, poor equipment, and repeated mechanical failures pushed Kahne to the breaking point. The relationship collapsed so badly he left before the season ended.

3. Michael Waltrip Racing vs. Brian Vickers (2014)

When MWR’s financial issues surfaced, Vickers’ team was gutted and underfunded. He publicly admitted the car wasn’t competitive due to lack of resources.

2. Joe Gibbs Racing vs. Kyle Busch (2022)

Toyota and JGR failed to secure sponsorship for the two-time champion, letting negotiations drag out and destabilize his entire season. The lack of commitment pushed him straight to RCR.

1. Dale Earnhardt Inc. vs. Dale Jr. (2005–2007)

Internal power battles, equipment disadvantages, and ownership disputes held Dale Jr. back during his prime years. DEI’s refusal to give him control or equal resources ultimately drove him away and crippled the team.