Father of Nick Sanchez suspended through season for getting involved in son’s fight with Matt Crafton

“NASCAR competition officials issued behavioral penalties Tuesday to Craftsman Truck Series drivers Matt Crafton and Nick Sanchez for their roles in a post-race altercation last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway,” NASCAR reported. “Crafton, driver of the ThorSport Racing No. 88 Ford, was fined $25,000 for his actions in a fight after Saturday’s Love’s RV Stop 250. Sanchez, a rookie in the No. 2 Rev Racing Chevrolet, was fined $5,000.

“Sanchez’s father, Rene, was also penalized for his involvement in the fracas, with officials suspending him from NASCAR for the remaining two races on the 2023 schedule.”

The fight left Nick bloodied and yelling at Crafton as he was pulled away. It was an ugly and unfortunate way for the race at Talladega to end over the weekend.

Nick Sanchez releases statement following NASCAR fine

Shortly after NASCAR announced punishments, Nick released a statement on the matter.

“At this time I will accept NASCAR’s penalty issued after the post-race occurrence at Talladega. It is a very unfortunate situation that negatively impacted a lot of individuals and the sport we all are so very passionate about and privileged to participate in each day,” Sanchez wrote.

“As for the incident, anything that doesn’t pertain to bettering myself as a race car driver or winning doesn’t have my energy or focus and never will. I look forward to continuing my quest for the Championship in Miami.”

Nick claims Crafton sucker-punched him while he walked back to the garage area. Crafton disputes that, arguing that he was threatened by the driver.

“Yeah, I mean, I was walking back, tap on my back, got punched in the face,” Nick said. “Cheap shot but it is what it is, I guess. I’m all for fighting but, no cheap shots. I got a cheap shot, didn’t have a chance to get him back. But, it is what it is. Part of racing.”