KANSAS CITY-- Daniel Suarez refused Martin Truex Jr.'s will and ultimately destroyed Truex's race. Tyler Reddick did it to William Byron and Chase Briscoe remained firm in his right to race hard during battle with Denny Hamlin.
The conversation about driver code and track etiquette is raging in NASCAR right now. This brings with it a heated discussion on expectations for non-playoff drivers. Should a title contender try to get track position?
Since 2004, the topic has been controversial. NASCAR is unlike other stick-and-ball sports in that everyone can race in the postseason, even if they're not in title contention. You can have mediocre and slow drivers racing for the last trophy, as well as superstar drivers.
There are two races left to secure the championship field. Now, it is time to discuss how non-playoff drivers can race at Kansas Speedway Sunday. This is the middle race in the third round of playoffs, and Kyle Larson is the only one who has been awarded a spot in the Nov. 7, winner-takes-all finale at Phoenix.
Seven other competitors are competing for the three remaining berths in this championship round. Joey Logano and Truex are at least in must-win situations. There's also a high chance of racing on Sunday.
They are especially vulnerable when they meet stubborn drivers who refuse to follow the rules on the track.
Hamlin was furious at a lack in situational awareness when Briscoe challenged Hamlin for position late last week's Texas race.
Hamlin shared the following message to Briscoe via Instagram: "There are cars racing for a championship." "Perhaps you'll start to finish better if you can learn give and take."
However, Briscoe, a rookie driver for Stewart-Haas Racing held his ground.
Briscoe replied to Hamlin, "I get paid for racing, but just because you guys race in the playoffs does not mean that I'm just going to wave you by." "One of our best cars all year, and I tried to take advantage of it. Although I know you guys are racing to win a championship, I am racing for a job. The results will allow me to keep my job.
After Truex's contact, Suarez adopted a similar attitude to Truex.
Suarez stated, "I have a lot respect for the guys playing in the playoffs. But one thing is respect and the other is taking advantage of it."
Today's veteran drivers are becoming more divided. Many were once browbeaten by Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace and Tony Stewart about driver etiquette. There is also a younger generation of drivers who don’t seem to care as much about racing cars or following unwritten rules.
