The Sam Mayer Martinsville feud erupted dramatically during Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series semifinals, when contact between Mayer and Jeb Burton escalated into a heated on-track and pit road showdown at Martinsville Speedway. The altercation, fueled by past run-ins and lingering animosity, left both drivers and crews frustrated and fans debating where the line was crossed.
Escalating Tensions Lead to On-Track Retaliation
What began as hard racing quickly turned chaotic in Stage 1, when 22-year-old Sam Mayer nudged experienced driver Jeb Burton, setting off a cycle of payback. As the race neared its climax, Burton returned the favor, and after the checkered flag, Mayer spun Burton’s No. 27 Chevrolet into the wall, causing a commotion among the Martinsville crowd and igniting a wave of tempers on pit road. This incident was not isolated; months of tension dating back to a prior confrontation at Talladega laid the groundwork for the explosive encounter in Virginia.
Despite the intensity and public nature of the crash, NASCAR officials reviewed the scuffle but chose not to issue any penalties. This decision has left the fanbase sharply divided, with opinions festering on who instigated the chain of events and whether stronger action was necessary from the sanctioning body.
Burton Responds With Raw Emotion
Jeb Burton, 33 and driving for Jordan Anderson Racing, did not hold back in sharing his perspective on the altercation. He accused Mayer of immaturity and questioned his racing conduct, stating,
“He was acting like a child, like (Nick) Sanchez, and we were on old tires at the end of stage,”
said Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver. Burton felt blindsided by Mayer’s move, explaining,
“He shipped me, I was on the front of the row for no reason, I’ve always raced him real clean… I moved him at the end for a spot because I was really pissed off with what he did, because when he moved me.”
Burton described the impact on his race, saying,
“I went back to 20th and really almost ruined our day,”
said Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver. He went on to call for NASCAR to intervene, adding,
“Hopefully, NASCAR does something, because he literally right-reared me into the outside wall.”
Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver. Burton summarized the exchange with Mayer by saying,
“He ran over me for no reason, so I gave it back to him, and he threw a temper tantrum; it is what it is. When it matters the most for him – he’s in a really good car – it’s not gonna work out very well for him.”
Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver.
Frustration and Fallout on Pit Road
The aftermath of the fracas saw Burton openly venting his anger. While his No. 27 car was left battered and his crew visibly disappointed, Burton expressed regret on their behalf, stating,
“I hate it for my guys,”
Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver. He also reflected on the mutual respect he seeks in NASCAR competition, saying,
“You know, I race a lot of people out here with respect, and I just want it back.”
Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver.
When pressed further about his relationship with Mayer, Burton did not mince words.
“He threw a temper tantrum. He’s a punk. Everybody knows it,”
Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver. As for communication between the two, Burton remarked,
“I’d love to talk to him, but there wouldn’t be much talking right now.”
Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver. He also made clear that Mayer’s needs on the track did not concern him, stating,
“I didn’t care if he needed the point or what. I could give two sh*ts about Sam Mayer. The way he acts, he’s a punk. I think everybody knows that.”
Jeb Burton, Jordan Anderson Racing driver.
Looking Ahead: Feud Far From Over
The closing laps at Martinsville left Sam Mayer finishing in seventh and Jeb Burton in sixth, but their unresolved animosity was far more pronounced than their final positions. As the dust settled at the short track, the emotional scars and damaged equipment made it evident that the Sam Mayer Martinsville feud is likely to persist into coming events. With fans eager to see how the rivalry develops and with the NASCAR Xfinity Series moving toward its finale, the conflict between Mayer and Burton is set to remain a flashpoint for both teams and spectators alike.
Jeb Burton spoke for about two minutes on pit road and didn't mince words about Sam Mayer.
"Hopefully NASCAR does something, because he literally right reared me into the outside wall."
"He ran over me for no reason, so I gave it back to him, and he threw a temper tantrum."… pic.twitter.com/WphhRvxisy— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 26, 2025
