Kevin Lepage has seen many changes in NASCAR, but something in the Xfinity Series now has him deeply concerned. Crashes are rising, and some races feel more like wild rides than skillful contests. At Darlington, his thoughts turned to respect—where did it go? While Brad Keselowski and Dale Earnhardt Jr. also speak up, Kevin Lepage is calling for stronger action. With chaos growing, some are asking if sitting drivers out might be the only way to fix things.
Key Highlights
- Kevin Lepage criticizes the growing reckless aggression and lack of respect in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series.
- Lepage suggests suspending drivers as a more effective penalty than fines to restore racing etiquette.
- Recent incidents at Martinsville and Darlington highlight the need for improved sportsmanship.
- Financial backing often shields young drivers from meaningful consequences, undermining penalties.
- Brad Keselowski and Dale Jr. emphasize owner responsibility and driver improvement.
The Culture of Contact and Kevin Lepage’s Initial Concerns
If you’ve ever watched a NASCAR race, you know it’s not just about speed—it’s about strategy, skill, and sometimes a little bit of bumping.
NASCAR fans love the thrill of cars trading paint, and legendary racers like Earnhardt and Gordon thrived in this electrifying arena.
But there’s a fine line between a friendly nudge and outright disrespect. Kevin Lepage, a veteran with years on the track, has noticed a shift, especially in the Xfinity Series.
He’s worried that contact, once a sign of fierce competition, is turning into reckless aggression.
“There’s one word that has been lost in a lot of the divisions, from cup all the way down to late models, is the word respect.” – Kevin Lepage
Lepage’s concerns spotlight a growing trend where drivers seem more focused on winning at any cost than respecting the craft. It’s a bit like watching a dance where partners start stepping on each other’s toes.
While rubbing is part of racing’s charm, Lepage insists that dumping drivers intentionally crosses the line.
Recent Race Incidents and Kevin Lepage’s Criticism
Kevin Lepage isn’t just worried about the changing culture of NASCAR; he’s downright fired up about it. Recent races, like the chaotic Martinsville event with its 14 cautions and a controversial crash on the final lap, have left him scratching his head. He’s not alone. Fans are buzzing about the lack of respect on the track. At Darlington, fireworks erupted again with incidents involving Ross Chastain and Christopher Bell, and it all makes you wonder: Where’s the sportsmanship?
Lepage thinks suspending drivers might be the wake-up call they need. He’s nostalgic for the days when rubbing was racing, not wrecking. As he puts it, “I don’t know how we can fix it,” but one thing’s clear: something’s gotta give.
“There’s one word that has been lost in a lot of the divisions, from cup all the way down to late models, is the word respect. We’ve had some conversations about some of these racers that are here today, our fellow racers and about how we raced each other and yeah we rub people, put donuts on cars, but you know we never intentionally try to dump somebody, especially for a win and I think somebody posted on Twitter that you know you win a race and you’re in championship. I think that’s a good thing that needs to go away because these guys are doing so much stuff. I don’t know how we can fix it except for, regardless of the sponsor, the car number, the car owner, I think a driver needs to be set out.” – Kevin Lepage
Financial Backing and Suggested Penalties
While watching the chaos unfold on the NASCAR tracks, one might wonder if the drivers have a secret pact to keep the repair shops busy.
Kevin Lepage has a theory—financial backing. He suggests that young drivers, cushioned by hefty sponsorships, aren’t fazed by simple fines. To really make them think twice about turning races into demolition derbies, Lepage proposes a more impactful penalty: benching. Missing a race or two, especially with playoff spots at stake, would hit where it hurts—on the track, not the wallet.
“You sit them out for the first week, and if he does it again um you set him out for a couple weeks. I think that’s the only detention you’re going to get because a lot of these young drivers you know have financial backing, and I think that, you have to hit them where it hurts, where they’re not driving. Regardless how much money you got, NASCAR sends you home, you’re not racing for a week or two, you probably think about it.” – Kevin Lepage
Lepage insists that penalties should be universal. He believes that even the most popular drivers and well-funded teams should face the same consequences. Dismissing a driver, irrespective of their fame or sponsorships, would set a precedent.
Lepage’s idea is not new, but his emphasis on fairness resonates. It’s about time the NASCAR community considers a change, ensuring everyone plays by the same rules.
Reactions from Brad Keselowski and Dale Jr.
When Brad Keselowski chimed in on the situation, it was like he was dropping a truth bomb on social media. He suggested that car owners, not NASCAR, should take the reins.
He painted a vivid picture of owners needing to park their drivers to restore order, even if it meant risking their funding. Brad imagined a world where, if all teams took this bold step together, they could change the chaotic narrative.
“My 2 cents- The solution needs to come from the car owners not NASCAR. Until the car owners are willing to park their drivers for getting this out of control, very little will change. I get that they are all scared to park a funded driver out of fear they will lose the money to continue to operations. However, at some point, that’s the risk you have to take to get this right. I believe if all of the teams do it together, it would work.” – Brad Keselowski
On the other side of the track, Dale Jr. came to his driver’s defense, adding an emotional twist. His loyalty to Sammy was steadfast.
“Sammy’s my driver. Ya’ll can continue to be p-ssed and think what you want. I got to shift to what do I do to give Sammy the best advice. I got to figure out how Sammy can clean this up.” – Dale Jr.
With a tinge of humor, Dale acknowledged the critics but emphasized his role: giving Sammy the best advice to clean up his act.
Their contrasting reactions reflect the broader challenge of balancing discipline with support.
As the debate rumbles on, the call for change in the Xfinity Series grows louder and more urgent.
Kevin Lepage’s Return to Darlington and Reflections
How does it feel to step back in time? For Kevin Lepage, returning to Darlington after nearly a decade was like flipping through an old photo album, each lap a snapshot of glory days.
“This is awesome,” he mused, basking in the nostalgia of NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend. The track, one of his favorites, held cherished memories—his top ten finishes and the exhilarating initial top five in the Cup Car.
“It’s finally nice to be back at the racetrack and meet a lot of my old friends and fellow racers.” – Kevin Lepage
“There’s one word that’s been lost in a lot of divisions from cup all the way down to late models. It’s the word respect.”@Kevin_Lepage makes first visit to Darlington since 2014 for #NASCAR‘s Alumni program, discusses the lack of respect in Xfinity.
📹: @soundlink_trent pic.twitter.com/8cRbD0esAT
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) April 6, 2025
Yet, amid the fond recollections, Lepage couldn’t ignore the shift in racing etiquette. Comparing today’s aggressive drivers to his era, he lamented the disappearance of the gentleman’s code that once governed the sport.
“Back then, we raced hard, but with respect,” he reflected, a wistful smile hinting at the unspoken rules of yesteryear.
Lepage’s reflections serve as a gentle reminder: while tracks may remain unchanged, racing’s heart has been altered.
News in Brief: NASCAR Xfinity Series Controversy
So, in the end, Kevin Lepage is like that wise uncle at family gatherings, urging everyone to play nice on the track. He wants NASCAR to bring back the respect and sportsmanship he remembers. With folks like Brad Keselowski and Dale Jr. chiming in, it feels like a team effort to clean up the chaos. As Lepage gears up for Darlington, he’s hoping for a smoother race—a little less smash and a lot more dash!
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