Kasey Kahne NASCAR race control became the focus of debate after Brett Griffin, a longtime spotter, suggested a dramatic overhaul in how on-track decisions are overseen. Following the surprising exit of NASCAR’s competition operations director Jusan Hamilton, Griffin proposed that an independent group should oversee race officiating to boost transparency and trust.
The departure of Jusan Hamilton, confirmed this week by NASCAR, has left the series without one of its most prominent officials as the Cup Series nears its climactic playoff run. Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass brought Hamilton’s exit to light, stating,
“NASCAR has parted ways with race director Jusan Hamilton. NASCAR confirmed he is no longer with the company but would not elaborate. My understanding is the decision was not performance-related.” – Bob Pockrass, Fox Sports Reporter
News of Hamilton’s sudden separation from NASCAR quickly caught attention across the racing world. Griffin, who once guided Kasey Kahne from atop the spotters’ stand, responded publicly with a direct challenge to NASCAR’s status quo, posting:
“Race control should be run by a third party. Let me do it. I’ll hire two assistants. One former driver that didn’t suck. One crash consultant better known as a medical professional. No bias. No conspiracies. Full transparency. Gets NASCAR off the hook. What an idea,” – Brett Griffin, Racing Spotter
NASCAR race control is responsible for vital calls during events, including caution periods, pit lane infractions, and procedures for lapped cars. Griffin’s comments echo ongoing concern within NASCAR circles about impartiality and openness, especially as the tightening Cup Series playoff race raises the stakes for every officiating decision.
While expressing his concerns, Brett Griffin also took time to commend Jusan Hamilton. In previous public statements, Griffin recognized Hamilton’s efforts and positive influence within NASCAR. Hamilton, originally from upstate New York, joined NASCAR as an intern in 2012 and returned in 2016, rising to key leadership positions such as managing the Drive for Diversity program and shaping pit crew and iRacing operations. He made history by becoming the first Black race control director in the Cup Series at Pocono Raceway in 2018 and later at the Daytona 500 in 2022.
Major Leadership Shifts Impact NASCAR Operations
Jusan Hamilton’s exit is part of significant management changes happening inside NASCAR. Chip Wile, a senior executive overseeing the organization’s tracks for nearly five years, is also departing. The responsibilities will now be consolidated under Ben Kennedy, who serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovations Officer, further expanding Kennedy’s reach over permanent tracks and new venues.
For the six remaining playoff events, Tim Bermann, a respected veteran, will temporarily take over race control duties, starting with the next event at Kansas Speedway. According to Bob Pockrass, NASCAR typically utilizes two race directors sharing duties, and Bermann is set to carry the role through the championship’s end.
Challenges Mount as NASCAR Faces Ratings Drop and Fan Concerns
These executive changes arrive as television viewership for the playoffs continues to slide. For the first time, four consecutive postseason Cup Series races have each drawn fewer than two million viewers, a trend coinciding with the NFL’s overwhelming audience and intensifying complaints from fans about race formats and competition quality.
The convergence of Jusan Hamilton’s departure, a shakeup in race control leadership, and ongoing concerns about transparency and race management highlight a turbulent moment for NASCAR. With Kasey Kahne’s ex-spotter and other industry figures calling for innovation in officiating, the outcome will likely shape how the Cup Series is run—and how it is perceived—during some of the year’s most critical races.
NASCAR has parted ways with race director Jusan Hamilton. NASCAR confirmed he is no longer with the company but would not elaborate. My understanding is the decision was not performance related.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 26, 2025
Race control should be run by a third party. Let me do it. I’ll hire two assistants. One former driver that didn’t suck. One crash consultant better known as a medical professional.
No bias. No conspiracies. Full transparency. Gets nascar off the hook. What an idea.
— Brett Griffin (@SpotterBrett) September 27, 2025
NASCAR has had two full-time race directors who would share the duties throughout the year so Tim Bermann would likely do the remaining races of the 2025 season. https://t.co/VrZa0xS6Dg
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 26, 2025
