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Presidential debates hold a special place in the American electoral process. Let’s take a look at some other debates. NASCAR style.
The 2016 elections are quickly approaching. We’ve already watched Donald Trump square off against Hillary Clinton and Mike Pence take on Tim Kaine. This Sunday Trump and Clinton will once again take the stage. They will stand in front of the American people in prime time to voice their disagreements and present a case for why they should be the next president of the United States.
NASCAR has been known to have a few debates of their own from time to time. Just like the presidential debates they range from civil to downright unruly. Let’s take a look at a few of NASCAR’s most recent debates.
John Hunter Nemechek vs Cole Custer
This debate is still fresh in most of our minds. It centered around a which driver was going to take the checkered flag at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. Cole Custer had the win within his grasp.
However, John Hunter Nemechek didn’t want to let a chance at visiting victory lane get away so easily. He took Custer to the absolute limit and came out on top.
Custer didn’t take too kindly to the events leading up to the finish. While Nemechek ultimately came out ahead he better enjoy it while he can. It will be a long time before Custer forgets this one.
Jeff Gordon vs Brad Keselowski
This debate occurred in the fall of 2014. The argument was over a gap between the cars of Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. Brad Keselowski thought the gap was easily wide enough fit his Miller Lite Ford through. Keselowski got together with Gordon and the rest is history.
Fans will be watching this footage and debating if Gordon or Keselowski was right for many years to come.
Matt Kenseth vs NASCAR
Oh yes, the great debate of 2015. Was Joey Logano’s decision to spin Matt Kenseth at Kansas just hard racing or dirty pool? Obviously, Kenseth thought it was dirty. It all but removed Kenseth from the chase while Logano already secured a spot into the next round. NASCAR chairman Brian France called the incident “quintessential NASCAR”.
Kenseth proved a point and ended Logano’s championship hopes in Martinsville but NASCAR had the final word. They parked Kenseth for the next two weeks. Moral of the story. Don’t go toe to toe with the sanctioning body. You’ll lose every time.
Kevin Harvick vs Jimmie Johnson
Here’s another one from 2015. Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson were trying to decide if the leader, Harvick, or third place Johnson should lead the field into turn one. Harvick thought he had the right-away but Jimmie Johnson was determined to take the spot away. What could go wrong?
Beating, banging, and a cut tire ensued. Harvick ran a few laps with smoke rolling from the left rear of his Jimmy John’s Chevrolet until the tire finally gave way. Harvick ended his day in the turn three wall but that’s not where this story ends.
Johnson decided to visit Harvick outside his motor coach and found out Happy Harvick wasn’t so happy.
Gallagher vs Townley
How about John Wes Townley and Spencer Gallagher. Two guys fighting for position on the track when the worst happens and Gallagher ends up in the wall. As fate would have it Townley ended up in an incident of his own a few laps later and put both drivers at the back of the field together.
Obviously, Townley didn’t think Gallagher’s actions were unintentional and takes matters into his own hands. After their cars came to rest there was little talking and a lot of action.
It’s hard to pick a clear winner of this fight/wrestling match/rumba. Maybe WWE Hall of famer Jim Ross can help you decide who wins with his commentary.
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