Layne Riggs wrecks Stefan Parsons, gets penalized two laps at Nashville

For multiple laps, Layne Riggs and Stefan Parson traded hits, then Riggs got the better of Parsons and turned him with a bump. NASCAR came down hard with a two-lap penalty to Riggs, forcing him to wait on pit road.

The “reckless driving” penalty was handed down by NASCAR to stage Stage 3. While Layne Riggs did intentionally make contact with Parsons, it felt like a self-policing move.

The two drivers were getting into one another multiple times. Riggs was falling back but Parsons and his antics made it to where both lost positions on the track.

Riggs wrecks Parsons and now he has to wait two laps. Tough break after a strong performance up to that point.

NASCAR holds Layne Riggs for two laps for reckless driving after the incident with Stefan Parsons. https://t.co/MHqCI08c2K pic.twitter.com/kSk0yr2hAv

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) June 29, 2024

The last time a driver was held two laps for a reckless driving penalty was last season. Carson Hocevar was held two laps at Martinsville Speedway in 2023. He attempted to right-rear hook Taylor Gray. It was an attempt that ended poorly for him and also resulted in the two-lap penalty.

I kind of understand where NASCAR is coming from here. However, Parsons about spun Riggs out. Then they went door-to-door and rubbed tires. Finally, Riggs moved him with a tap to the back bumper. What else was he supposed to do?

As far as wrecks go, this was light. Honestly, Ben Rhodes punting Taylor Gray to start Stage 2 was more egregious than Riggs was to Parsons. For whatever reason, NASCAR felt that the penalty was necessary and they handed it down.

Not much else you can do at that point but serve the penalty and try your best afterward.

Layne Riggs has more bad luck in rookie outing

When it comes to young drivers, I really like Layne Riggs. He is one of these short-track guys that just gets it. He has talent, a family history in the sport, and he is a great personality. His accent is infectious and you just want him to succeed after hearing him talk about racing.

Riggs has had bad luck bite him this season. He has not been able to get into a groove and have multiple top-10 finishes in a row. They come every once in a while after a ton of struggle on the race track beforehand.

Tonight is another one of those nights. Riggs is going to go home with a disappointing result in a truck that was fast as heck for many laps tonight in Nashville.

After two top-5 finishes in the last three races, tonight is another setback for this team. Layne Riggs gets penalized not for having a slow car or making a big mistake but instead because he retaliated and NASCAR took issue with that.