NASCAR suspends team members after Corey Heim assault

NASCAR has issued significant penalties following a physical altercation at Martinsville Speedway during the ValleyStar Credit Union 300. The incident involved 23XI Racing driver Corey Heim, who was reportedly attacked by members of the Chad Bryant Racing team near an infield concession stand after an on-track collision with Treyton Lapcevich.

NASCAR announced indefinite suspensions for team owner Chad Bryant and crew member Steven Civitarese due to member-to-member physical violence. Bryant was also fined $2,000, placed on one-year probation, and barred from the 2027 Martinsville 300. Civitarese received a $1,000 fine and a one-year probation. Other penalties included fines and probation for Ryden Lapcevich, Brad Housewright, Chase Burrow, and several crew members involved in separate altercations during the event.

The confrontation followed a heated race where Heim and Lapcevich battled for position, resulting in significant vehicle damage. NASCAR legends Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart criticized the actions of the crew members, with Hamlin describing those involved as “cowards” who waited to ambush Heim. Driver Treyten Lapcevich also condemned the behavior of his own team members.

In a separate incident at Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell noted a different approach to driver-on-driver altercations, such as the recent clash between Ryan Blaney and Carson Hocevar, stating the organization would not necessarily penalize such displays of passion.