Tempers flared for a moment on pit road after Saturday night’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, but Sam Mayer said there is no issue between him and Jeb Burton.
The moment came after a late-race incident that affected Mayer’s finish. Mayer spoke to reporters, explaining what happened during the final restarts and why Burton came over.
He made it clear that the situation stayed under control, and both drivers settled it on pit road. The exchange did not lead to any further action, and both teams left the track without penalties.
Late Restarts Change Sam Mayer’s race
Mayer said his car had sped through most of the race. He believed the team was in position for a strong result before the final stage.
“Not the night or finish we wanted. Things looked strong early, but those last few restarts really hurt us,” Mayer said.
He explained that the car stayed competitive as the race went on.
“We were actually solid. At worst, we had a top-10 car, and we were getting better as the race went on,” he said. “But in that final stage, things kind of slipped away from us a bit.”
The team made a late pit stop for tires. Mayer said that the decision could have helped.
“We made a pit stop, and honestly, having fresh tires felt like it could help our situation,” Mayer said.
The race changed during a restart involving another car.
“From what I understand, it sounded like the 20 car got hooked, and we were the only thing keeping him from spinning,” he said. “That ended up costing us our race, which is just unfortunate.”
NASCAR Pit Road Moment Explained by Mayer
After the race, Burton walked up to Mayer on pit road. The moment drew attention after it appeared on social media.
Mayer said the conversation came from frustration after the restart.
“Jeb walked up there at the end. It was just frustration with something on the final restarts,” Mayer said. “Me being frustrated and him, of course, being a guy right there.”
He said both drivers spoke and cleared it up.
“We’re good. Everything’s fine. It was more like explaining what happened — a conversation,” Mayer said. “Me listening, me understanding, me explaining my side.”
He repeated that there is no issue between them.
“We are all good,” Mayer said. “Just ready to move onto the next one for sure.”
Focus Shifts Forward after Bristol Motor Speedway
Mayer said the team has shown speed during the season. He does not see the manufacturer switch as a problem.
“As far as growing pains with the manufacturer switch, I wouldn’t say that’s the issue,” Mayer said. “We’ve been fast pretty much everywhere.”
He said the main issue is avoiding incidents late in races.
“At this point, it’s more about keeping all four tires pointed in the right direction and not getting run into,” Mayer said. “I believe things will turn around eventually. We’ll be alright.”
The race at Bristol Motor Speedway ended without penalties for either driver. Both Mayer and Burton moved on after the brief exchange.
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