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NASCAR Fans Blast Officials for “Negligent and Dangerous” Yellow Flag Delay During Chicago Cup Race

Neha Dwivedi
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NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (45) and driver Carson Hocevar (77) drives during the Grant Park 165 at Chicago Street Race.

NASCAR once again finds itself in the firing line as fans raise questions over another contentious caution call. Known for walking a tightrope with split-second decisions, the sanctioning body stirred up fresh controversy at Chicago after electing to delay the yellow flag in the race’s final moments.

On the last lap, Cody Ware’s Ford slammed into the Turn 6 tire barrier, prompting widespread expectation that NASCAR would immediately throw a caution, especially considering a similar wreck triggered by Carson Hocevar’s bump on Lap 4 that led to a multi-car pileup.

But this time, officials held their fire. The yellow didn’t fly until 45 seconds later, after race leader Shane van Gisbergen had already taken the checkered flag, sealing the win under caution.

The delay drew instant backlash. Fans took to social media in droves, venting their frustration and accusing NASCAR of playing favorites or turning a blind eye to consistency.

One irate fan remarked, “A car that crashes hard and can’t drive away should be an immediate caution. Can’t have these inconsistent calls where the officials either wait to call it or immediately throw it, just begins to look like they don’t even care.”

Another vented directly at NASCAR, saying, “@NASCAR, what the hell man, HOLY S—T – this is just negligent and dangerous @mforde.” A third fan didn’t mince words, saying, “They wanted to pick their winner.”

Yet another fan demanded transparency, posting, “Everyone needs to repost this. Make @NASCAR have to explain themselves. Maybe the accountability will create some changes.”

According to veteran reporter Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, NASCAR officials stated they weren’t initially aware of the severity of Ware’s hit and were waiting to see if he could drive away. They also clarified that potential rain or lightning played no role in the decision.

Even SVG appeared caught off guard. The three-time Supercars champion admitted he feared a late caution might trigger overtime after Ware’s wreck. But by the time NASCAR waved the yellow, SVG had already crossed the line to begin the final lap, putting the race to bed under caution and sparking another storm of fan criticism in its wake.

Post Edited By:Abhishek Ramesh

About the author

Neha Dwivedi

Neha Dwivedi

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Neha Dwivedi is an experienced NASCAR Journalist at The SportsRush, having penned over 3000 articles on the sport to date. She was a seasoned writer long before she got into the world of NASCAR. Although she loves to see Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch win the races, she equally supports the emerging talents in the CARS Late Model and ARCA Menards Series.. For her work in NASCAR she has earned accolades from journalists like Susan Wade of The Athletic, as well as NASCAR drivers including Thad Moffit and Corey Lajoie. Her favorite moment from NASCAR was witnessing Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. win the championship trophies. Outside the racetrack world, Neha immerses herself in the literary world, exploring both fiction and non-fiction.

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