Sam Mayer Xfinity Series suspension will prevent him from competing in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway, after NASCAR announced disciplinary action on Tuesday. The suspension follows an on-track incident involving Mayer at last weekend’s playoff event at Martinsville Speedway.
NASCAR Ruling Sidelines Mayer for Championship Event
The decision to suspend Sam Mayer, a Haas Factory Team driver of the No. 41 ford/”>Ford, stems from an incident after the Martinsville race concluded. Mayer spun fellow competitor Jeb Burton, from Jordan Anderson Racing, into the outside wall following prior on-track contact earlier in the race. The move led officials to determine Mayer violated Section 4.4.B of the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct.
Mayer’s actions came shortly after his elimination from the Championship 4, following a seventh-place finish at Martinsville. He expressed strong opinions about Jeb Burton during his post-race comments, adding further scrutiny to the situation.
Additional Cup Series Penalties Issued
Aside from Mayer’s suspension, NASCAR has also handed out penalties in the Cup Series. Two crew members from the No. 51 Rick Ware Racing team—jackman De’Quan Hampton and rear-tire changer Marquill Osborne—have been suspended for the next two races. This decision follows the detachment of the right-rear wheel from Cody Ware’s car in Sunday’s race at Martinsville, a violation of safety protocols noted in the NASCAR rule book.
Both crew members will miss the upcoming Cup Series championship at Phoenix as well as February’s Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Teams affected, including Rick Ware Racing, now face added challenges as they head into high-stakes races at season’s end.
Significance Ahead of Phoenix Finale
The suspension of Sam Mayer removes Haas Factory Team from Saturday’s Xfinity Series championship lineup at Phoenix, a development that changes the competitive landscape. The penalties in the Cup Series further highlight NASCAR’s commitment to safety and sportsmanship, setting a precedent ahead of key races at Phoenix Raceway and Bowman Gray Stadium.
