The Sam Mayer NASCAR feud with Jeb Burton, which erupted after a heated incident post-race at Martinsville Speedway, has drawn sharp criticism from sport insider Matt Weaver, who believes that NASCAR’s strict policies on physical altercations are backfiring. Tensions in the Xfinity Series have flared, with opinions divided over how such conflicts should be handled on and off the track.
Insider Criticizes NASCAR’s Approach to On-Track Conflicts
The incident that set the racing world abuzz involved an aggressive exchange between Sam Mayer and Jeb Burton following the final lap at Martinsville. As emotions ran high, Mayer retaliated against Burton by forcefully spinning his car into the wall, reportedly in response to a previous wreck at Talladega that diminished Mayer’s chances to reach the championship four.
Matt Weaver, a prominent voice in motorsport circles, argued that NASCAR’s tough stance against physical confrontations in pit lane has only escalated tensions among competitors. Instead of allowing drivers to resolve their animosities directly, he suggested that the current policies inadvertently encourage aggressive and dangerous behavior using the vehicles themselves. Weaver expressed his view on social media:
“I’ll say this, once again, that when you’re no longer allowed to punch someone should you feel so compelled, all you’re doing is encouraging the weaponization of race cars. Let them fight, NASCAR.”
— Matt Weaver, Insider
Historically, stock car racing has not shied away from drivers settling disputes after the checkered flag—physical altercations have played out as heated emotions spill over. However, NASCAR has steadily increased penalties for fighting, aiming to deter drivers from taking justice into their own hands and maintain a safer environment.
Jeb Burton Responds to Mayer’s Actions Amid Uncertain Penalties
Jeb Burton, the other principal in the Sam Mayer NASCAR feud, was vocal about the incident’s repercussions. Both drivers are familiar faces in the Xfinity Series, and Burton acknowledged that Mayer’s deliberate act of retaliation could land him in significant trouble with NASCAR, echoing the governing body’s historical intolerance for such post-race behavior.
After the Martinsville incident, Burton addressed his supporters with a series of pointed remarks:
“The incident with the 41. At the beginning of the race, he was acting like a child and shipped me into the corner because he was mad about the accident that happened last week. So, at the end of the race, when I called him, it was time to race him like he raced me and I moved him; I didn’t wreck him. And he didn’t like it and then after the race he wrecked us.”
— Jeb Burton, Driver
“Thought that was pretty funny so I’m sure he’s gonna be in deep trouble for that… He didn’t make the playoffs so he’s acting like a child. It is what it is.”
— Jeb Burton, Driver
NASCAR leadership has yet to reach a decision regarding disciplinary action against Sam Mayer for his actions at Martinsville Speedway. This delay leaves drivers and fans alike speculating about the possible outcomes and the message the verdict will send to competitors across the series.
Tensions High as Xfinity Series Finale Approaches
The ramifications of the Sam Mayer NASCAR feud extend beyond personal grievances, as the episode underscores a broader debate over how the sport polices driver conduct. The governing body faces pressure to clarify its approach: whether to enforce stricter bans on all forms of retaliation, or to reconsider policies that some say drive conflict from the pits to the track itself.
Meanwhile, as the dust settles in Martinsville, attention now turns to the Xfinity Series finale at Phoenix Raceway. The championship showdown will feature top contenders Connor Zilisch, Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, and Jesse Love vying for the series title. The heightened emotions and unresolved questions from the Mayer-Burton incident are likely to linger, intensifying the mood as the championship is decided.
This latest controversy has brought the ongoing discussion around driver discipline, rivalry, and the adrenaline-fueled environment of stock car racing into sharper focus. The decisions NASCAR makes about the Sam Mayer NASCAR feud will signal to drivers, teams, and fans how the balance between safety and passion will be maintained in the seasons to come.
P.6 proud of my guys! Thanks everyone for the support. 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/djvjzzZ2NU
— Jeb Burton (@JebBurtonRacing) October 26, 2025
