Emotions ran high during Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff race at Martinsville Speedway, as Jeb Burton openly threatened Sam Mayer following an intense on-track altercation. The Sam Mayer Martinsville incident became a focal point when heated exchanges and competitive clashes escalated between the two drivers, drawing attention from fans and fellow competitors alike.
Conflict Erupts Between Drivers During Xfinity Playoff Race
Tensions surfaced between Jeb Burton, representing Jordan Anderson Racing, and fellow driver Sam Mayer in the midst of Saturday’s event at Martinsville Speedway. Both drivers had been contesting for track position through a series of battles, which ultimately led to Burton spinning out and damaging his left-rear tire on Lap 92 in Stage 2. This incident triggered the fourth caution of the day, raising the level of intensity among the field, despite Burton not being part of the playoff chase.
Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic reported that, immediately after the mishap, Burton communicated his frustrations to his team over the radio:
“Go ahead and tell the 41 (Sam Mayer) that he’s done. He’s done when I get to him. F*** him and his championship”
– Jeb Burton, Driver
Sam Mayer, who started the day ranked seventh in the standings and 22 points below the cutoff, was in a must-win situation to reach the Championship 4. However, Mayer could only manage a seventh-place finish, falling short of his championship hopes. For his part, Burton finished sixth, notching his eighth top-ten result of the season, while tensions between the rivals stayed palpable after the checkered flag.
Notable Performances and Championship Field Set
Taylor Gray, piloting the No. 54 for Joe Gibbs Racing, captured victory in the 250-lap race, earning his first career win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He was trailed by Sammy Smith, Brandon Jones, Sheldon Creed, and Aric Almirola, who rounded out the top five. The final spots for the upcoming Championship 4 were claimed by Jesse Love and Carson Kvapil, solidifying the lineup for the title-deciding event.
The next chapter in the Xfinity Series season will unfold with the 200-lap championship finale scheduled for Saturday, November 1. Fans can watch the action live on The CW at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with race coverage also available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Burton’s Cup Series Return Halted by Legal Disputes
Off the track, Jeb Burton’s plans to compete in the Cup Series’ YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway were derailed due to an ongoing legal battle involving the NASCAR charter system. The antitrust lawsuit, filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, disputes aspects of the charter agreement, with teams expressing opposition to what they describe as monopolistic practices and cartel-like business operations. The case is set for trial on December 1, with significant consequences depending on the outcome. If 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports lose, they risk competing as open teams. On the other hand, if NASCAR is found at fault, the current structure could undergo a dramatic overhaul.
“I was supposed to be in this race today, had it all signed and done,” Jeb Burton wrote on social media. “But this lawsuit situation made it very difficult for us to be able to go and make the race so we backed off. Hopefully next year.”
– Jeb Burton, Driver
Burton has only made six Cup Series starts over the last nine years. His full-time Cup Series debut occurred in 2015 with Brad Keselowski Racing, a team that has since closed. His most recent Cup race was the 2024 Cup Series Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway, where he finished 38th.
Broader Implications for NASCAR and Its Stakeholders
The Sam Mayer Martinsville incident and the off-track legal struggles highlight the emotionally charged and competitive atmosphere of NASCAR’s playoff races, as well as the complexities surrounding team ownership and participation in major events. High-profile teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and 23XI Racing remain central to these debates, with the results of legal proceedings holding the potential to reshape the future of the sport. The spotlight now turns to the championship race, where fans will watch drivers like Taylor Gray and Jesse Love battle for the title amid an evolving backdrop for NASCAR’s business and competitive landscape.
"Go ahead and tell the 41 (Sam Mayer) that he's done. He's done when I get to him. F*** him and his championship"
Jeb Burton
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) October 26, 2025
