Sam Mayer has received a suspension from the NASCAR Xfinity Series after intentionally wrecking Jeb Burton during the cooldown lap at Martinsville Speedway last weekend, an incident that removes him from this Saturday’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway. The Sam Mayer NASCAR suspension means veteran driver Ryan Sieg will step in for the final race of the season.
NASCAR Issues Suspension Following Martinsville Incident
The official penalty was handed down on Tuesday and detailed in NASCAR’s weekly report, which cited Mayer for breaching section 4.4.B. of the NASCAR rulebook—this portion specifically addresses proper conduct for NASCAR members. According to officials, Mayer’s actions during the Martinsville event constituted a serious violation requiring a one-race suspension as the season reaches its climax in Phoenix.
Team Response and Outcome
Haas Factory Team, which oversees the car Mayer drives, confirmed it would not pursue an appeal against the penalty. The organization acknowledged the ruling, indicating acceptance of NASCAR’s disciplinary decision and the resulting lineup change for the finale.
Ryan Sieg Set to Fill In for the Season Finale
Taking over for Mayer is Ryan Sieg, an experienced competitor in the Xfinity Series, who brings nearly 400 career starts to the role. Notably, Sunday’s race will mark Sieg’s first start for a team other than his family’s RSS Racing since 2013. With Sieg’s entrance, the team aims to maintain a competitive presence at Phoenix Raceway despite the unexpected lineup change.
Significance of the Suspension
Sam Mayer’s suspension highlights the emphasis NASCAR places on sportsmanship and race conduct, sending a clear message as the season closes. Fans and teams alike will now be watching both for Sieg’s performance in a new team environment and for any further developments in NASCAR’s approach to enforcing its code of conduct.
— Haas Factory Team (@HaasFactoryTeam) October 28, 2025
