Matt Crafton denies 'sucker punch' allegations after Nick Sanchez fight at Talladega

After both drivers were wrecked at Talladega in the Truck Series race, Nick Sanchez and Matt Crafton got into a bit of a brawl. There was a video captured at the end of the event. Sanchez yelled threats towards Crafton with blood covering his face. Then, the NASCAR rookie driver claimed the three-time champion had “sucker punched” him.

Today, Matt Crafton has tweeted his side of things. Among other notes, he says that he didn’t sucker punch Sanchez. According to him, he approached the driver, was met with threats, and then a fight broke out.

Crafton also believes that Sanchez is to blame for the wreck that took them, and others, out of the race.

“First let’s address the ‘sucker punch.’ Before the cameras started rolling I approached Nick and said ‘hey’ when he turned around I said ‘what the ****?!’ to which he looked right at me and threatened me.

“That is when it all went to hell. I had his attention, words were exchanged, all before anything physical took place, so I did not “sucker punch” the guy. There may not be video, but there were plenty of eye witnesses.”

Here is what wasn’t caught on video…

First, let’s address the “sucker punch.” Before the cameras started rolling I approached Nick and said “hey” when he turned around I said “what the —?!” to which he looked right at me and threatened me.

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— Matt Crafton (@Matt_Crafton) October 1, 2023

Nick Sanchez didn’t wreck out of the race, while Matt Crafton found himself among the 13 drivers unable to continue the race to the end.

Sanchez went on to finish P7 and had a solid day in terms of the NASCAR Playoffs. After Talladega, the rookie is three points above the cutline. He has a chance to make the Championship Four in his rookie campaign.

Nick Sanchez addressed ‘cheap shot’ from Matt Crafton

Matt Crafton feels that he didn’t do anything wrong. From his perspective, a rookie driver made a poor move and cost him a good finish on the day. That’s frustrating for most any driver in NASCAR. However, things aren’t adding up on either side here.

Hearing it from Nick Sanchez, he got a tap on his shoulder and a punch to his face. That doesn’t sound like there was any kind of exchange between the two drivers in that case.

Whatever happened between them, it is a consequence of Talladega. Nick Sanchez says he plans to go and win the race at Homestead, same as any other week. Race to win. Who knows, we might not hear anything else about this after this weekend.

Any possible punishment for Matt Crafton or Sanchez would come on Tuesday this week. Keep an eye here at On3 for any updates about that.