Sports

NASCAR Driver Attacked by Rival’s Crew Member After On-Track Incident

Steve Wallace has racing in his blood. He’s the son of legendary NASCAR driver Rusty. And like his dad, he’s taken up the business of turning left for a living. But his pedigree couldn’t save him from getting into a hair-pulling scuffle after Saturday night’s Nationwide series race.

Wallace, who finished fourth during the event in Montreal, bumped fellow driver Patrick Carpentier, sending him crashing and out of the race. It was expected to be the final career race for the Canadian, but that ended with the Wallace-involved incident while Wallace was challenging near the front with nine laps to go.

So at the end of the race, one of Carpentier’s crew members decided to let Wallace know how he felt. While Wallace’s car was still moving, the rival crew member reached into the car and began yanking on Wallace’s hair:

Carpentier, not surprisingly, wasn’t happy with Wallace either.

“I’m amazed a guy like Wallace has a full-time ride,” Carpentier said. “It’s like sometimes he spaces out. I’ve never said this before, but I think the guy is an idiot. But what can you do?”

Wallace apologized for the incident in a postrace TV interview, but Carpentier said: “He needs to apologize every race. His sponsor should be called My Apology.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (82)

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  • TexasWax
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 5:41pm

    A little Bump and grind all part of the game… Sucks it was the Canadians last race, but come on…. Crew member pulling hair??????? A solid right jab would have been more fitting for the way thier team must have felt.

    Report Post »  
  • BuzzardSays
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 4:12pm

    Sports does not generally create character. It unmasks it.

    Report Post » BuzzardSays  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 4:58pm

      You were last pick at dodgeball, weren’t you?

      KangarooJack  
    • Caniac Steve
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 5:42pm

      And here & while wallace apologized…i see it as “Just racing” not that Wallace went out of his was deliberatly through out the whole race..but hell…opinions are like backes on the back of Jeans…every body as one or 2 most of the time

      Report Post » Caniac Steve  
    • Chip Handerson
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 7:06pm

      I agree one hundred percent. @Kangaroo Jack, really? you really want to undermine a profound opinion from someone else? I don’t find it funny at all if that was the intention.
      I hope you were not the bully in the third grade playground. You seem like the type.

      Report Post »  
    • missaudrey
      Posted on August 22, 2011 at 7:07am

      Buzzardsays: I like that one! May I use it!? So true!

      Report Post »  
    • Caerus
      Posted on August 22, 2011 at 1:26pm

      Absolutely agree, Buzzard.

      I don’t disagree that the hard work involved in sports (or getting good at most anything!) is a character building experience, but too much of sports seem to exist solely to tear down said character. Especially the hero-worship, celebrity status they are given.

      Report Post »  
  • yetibunker
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 4:09pm

    i have to respond to the people on here who want to run down nascar and the fans, you have the right to your opinion but to say the fans and drivers are idiots and mouthbreathers is not even close, im a fan and i know lots of fans and were just regular people who enjoy the show, it’s more real than those staged phony reality shows like jersey shore and the like. the drivers and there crews get upset because there‘s so much time and money and effort to do this that when someone punts you it’s frustrating. carpentier was in the last race of his career he wanted to finish then go spend time with his family, gee what a jerk huh? it’s a 24/7 job. and it’s more than just driving around a track, it’s more complicated than that, otherwise we’d all be able to do it. it’s also not a redneck sport, it was when it started, but now some of the best drivers are from new york, califiornia, michigan. i guess i shouldn’t take it personally, like letterman said “it’s easier to tear down than to build up” so if your that uninformed you can go about spouting your b.s.

    Report Post » yetibunker  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 5:03pm

      In my 45yrs. I’ve been to exactly two races. This, when MIS is but a mere 17mins. away. I can say that us ‘locals’ have a sense of anticipation to each Race Weekend. We plan our shopping trips around race traffic and at the same time listen for the helicopters that bring in the drivers and CEO’s. Frankly, it’s fun!
      For anyone who makes fun of ‘da left turn club’….those fans are the ones who know to remove their hats during the National Anthem. Gee, they also know the WORDS to the National Anthem. They are the people who will defend your azz if push comes to shove. In other words…God Bless America and Start your Engines!!!!

      Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • Marylou7
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 5:52pm

      Both of you are right on!! I live right in the heart of NASCAR country and these people are the greatest. Moved here 4 yrs ago and absolutely love it. Have never watched a race in my life but I love the people who do. :-))

      Report Post » Marylou7  
    • Patriot Rider
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 6:32pm

      Amen brother. NASCAR fans are the best in sports and those who bad moth us and this great sport obviously know nothing about it. When is the last time you herd of a NASCAR driver getting into legal trouble? Seems that the spoiled players in the stick and ball sports get into something on a daily basis.

      Report Post »  
    • Cavy from VA
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 7:38pm

      Dittos my friend

      Report Post » Cavy from VA  
    • Ready2Rumble
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 7:48pm

      It seems like Steven Wallace has been into a number of racing incidents over that past year. He races very aggressively, which is OK if he were a driver of the caliber of Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart, or Carl Edwards. Unfortunately, Wallace has only his father’s name and not his driving abilities, which what causes the issues. But young Master Wallace seems to be improving – at least he’s not destroying his car every week. If he weren‘t Rusty’s son, odds are he would have gone the way of John Wes Townly (aka John Wrecks Weekly) or any other driver who tears up a lot of expensive equipment without the results to show for it.

      To me, this is much ado about nothing. NASCAR gave the drivers a “have at it, boys” rule this year and they seem to be making the most of it. If anything, give the guy a slap on the wrist and put him on probation for the end of the year. End of story.

      Report Post » Ready2Rumble  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 8:12pm

      My husband has been a NASCAR fan for years. I wasn’t a fan until we attended a live event. So different than on TV. We live near Dallas, but can’t always afford to go to the races (twice a year). We’ve been to something like 3-5 races over the last almost 6 years.

      Report Post »  
    • Unbelievable
      Posted on August 22, 2011 at 8:27am

      Normally people who bash NASCAR have never been to a live event. Once you go and feel the roar of the engines you’re hooked for life. There is more passion in NASCAR then any other sporting events put together.

      NASCAR ROCKS!!

      Report Post »  
    • somethingclever
      Posted on August 23, 2011 at 5:17pm

      Kangaroo – I just got back from MIS last night! My third year going & it’s always a great time with great people. Wish we would’ve seen a little more action on the track & wouldn’t have minded seeing Kyle Busch getting his hair pulled. If you’re afraid if getting bumped, stay off the track and if it was truly intentional, NASCAR will fine the driver for endangering others intentionally.

      Perhaps I will see you some time at the track! A very beautiful area in the “Irish Hills”

      Report Post »  
  • freightliner1160
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:56pm

    Yepimacon..
    Nascar has find drivers tens of thousands of dollars for a bad comment, Or using the only signlanguage we all know. Even if it was done from under the dash, if in car camera catches it, well it is a long walk to the Red Trailer. They have heated emotions, and have to find words to say on camera, and then say what they mean to other driver in private.

    Report Post » freightliner1160  
  • hialtitude
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:48pm

    Wallace got loose, knew the incident was his fault and apologized. It’s racing and it happens every week. These guys are used to this stuff. But a man who pulls hair? That’s what little girls do. Ridiculous.

    Report Post »  
  • mikenleeds
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:37pm

    that s racing wussy boy

    Report Post » mikenleeds  
  • turkey13
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:24pm

    I just read that the Canidian Government has banned the race and it won’t be on the schedule for next year. Nascar will move it back to Mexico if obama will provide military support for protection.

    Report Post »  
    • willbedone
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 7:39pm

      Mexico? Taint gona happen. Last time NASCAR went to Mexico they could not find enough paying support. Whole episode was a bust.

      Report Post » willbedone  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:20pm

    Simply childish!!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • dd41
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:59pm

    wallace is an idiot, carpentier is an idiot, also both are lousy drivers in nascar and should be banned.
    guys like this are destroying the sport along with nascar management decisions and track ceo’s (gillian zucker). notice the stands are always empty.

    Report Post »  
    • Liberty7
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:42pm

      No DD41, I haven’t noticed that the stands are “always” empty because they are not “always” empty. Words do mean what they mean Hot Rod. The race was held in CANADA where, I will guess, NASCAR is not a regular household conversation topic thus, one would expect to see empty stands. And, if attendance is down overall for NASCAR, I would suspect that this is a reflection of the economy as opposed to whatever actions are being taken by track owners. As to who is an idiot and who is not, well, I will defer to your judgement because you appear to be an expert as to what constitutes an idiot. Before I sign off on this retort DD41, since you have put yourself out there as to judging who should be allowed to drive in NASCAR, let me ask you, how many race cars have you ever worked on and driven?

      Report Post »  
  • Snipers View
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:53pm

    If Republicans had as much fight in them (and love of country) as these NASCAR drivers, maybe we might have some hope of taking our country back. You can learn a lot from a redneck…even the French Canadian versions.

    Report Post » Snipers View  
  • aBritishTenther
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:50pm

    Wallace’s fault, locked up rears, lost control, hit Carpentier….simple , he wasnt ‘crowded’ he was out of control before that

    Report Post »  
    • Alvin691
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:56pm

      If his rear brakes locked, then the front were not adjusted correctly.

      Report Post »  
    • BigThunner
      Posted on August 22, 2011 at 12:29pm

      Looked to me like Wallace did lose some control, but the Canadian also made the move to the inside and cut off Wallace’s opportunity to collect his car and regain control. Both were at fault and rubbin is racin. Too bad for the Canadian, but it happens.

      Report Post »  
  • bobcattf5
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:35pm

    Pro Sports should have this stuff happening, they are role models????????????????????

    Report Post »  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:25pm

      I actually do not understand how watching cars go around a track for many many laps, it very entertaining at all. Does not appeal to me in the slightest! http://wp.me/pYLB7-1vg

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Unbelievable
      Posted on August 22, 2011 at 8:32am

      walkwithme1966
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:25pm
      I actually do not understand how watching cars go around a track for many many laps, it very entertaining at all. Does not appeal to me in the slightest! http://wp.me/pYLB7-1vg
      ___________________________________________________________________________________
      WALKWITHME1966 — I too didn’t understand why people watched until I went to a race. Go to a race just once and you’ll be hooked for life. It‘s one of the most exciting events I’ve ever been to..

      Report Post »  
    • BigThunner
      Posted on August 22, 2011 at 12:48pm

      Hey WalkWithMe, I never watched a race much less went to one until a very good friend went to work for Dale Earnhardt. Watching Dale at Daytona or Talledaga was like watching Gretsky on ice. Those drivers at the top of their game, llike Dale, were able to get more out of a car than most drivers and make it look easy. He was smooth (and rough when he needed to be), and could draft better than almost any driver before or since. I did not realize that NASCAR drivers are more like chess players than football players in that much of what they do is defined by finese and not brute force. Watching Dale move through the field by drafting here, there and almost anywhere was a thing of beauty. Horsepower counts, but so does skill and judgment.

      Remember, at restrictor plate tracks, these guys are going nearly 200 mph and like chess must anticipate five moves ahead while watching to take advantage of another driver’s momentary lapse.

      Go to a race and watch the ballet of speed and precision and the occassional rending and tearing of metal. While there is a fierce rivalry and what may appear to be hatred for certain drivers, a fan’s comment after Dale died said it all, “I laughed when he crashed and I cried when he died.” That comment typifies the NASCAR fan to a tee. Good hearted people who are very loyal but are also the salt of the earth and I would rather live in a country where NASCAR fans are the norm than one where the liberal bedwetters and thumbsuckers run the j

      Report Post »  
  • Daniel4
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:31pm

    Roller Derby????

    Report Post »  
  • Secessionista
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:30pm

    Only girls pull hair, lol! He hasn’t met any democrats lately!

    Report Post » Secessionista  
  • Broncobuster
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:30pm

    Pause the video and step through the frames. Wallace didn’t spin him out on purpose .These things happen in racing . This isn’t like freeway driving in rush hour.

    Report Post »  
  • Rowgue
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:23pm

    They don’t need any damage control. This is what the mouthbreathing fans of NASCAR watch for.

    Report Post »  
    • Schteveo
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 3:04pm

      Uh, might I say that you can BITE all of us!

      I’m guessing you watch something civilized, like ‘merican Idle!?

      Report Post »  
  • clingingtogodandguns
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:14pm

    His dad was the biggest whiner in the sport!!! Still pulling hair come on put one on the chin he had a perfect chance.Just saying

    Report Post »  
  • Uechi
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:00pm

    Quality adult behaviour. People spend money to watch these clowns and their pit crews?

    Report Post »  
    • ZengaPA65
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:44pm

      Nascar like Country Music is the opiate of white trash.

      Report Post » ZengaPA65  
    • drago
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 2:58pm

      @zengapa65
      Since i dont watch nascar, but do listen to country music, i have a question, have you ever told a nascar fan that remark in person? I doubt it, so take your dumbass back down to your basement and stfu punk…….

      Report Post »  
    • megansmom
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 4:25pm

      I don‘t think he’s made that comment to a country music fan in person either, or maybe he did and all he can do at the moment is type.

      Report Post »  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 1:56pm

    It’s Steven Wallace. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. His dad Rusty fought like a girl too, and whined about it. Nothing to see here.

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 1:52pm

    Isn’t this the sport where a race car driver just recently called another driver a “scaredy cat?” Lmao…. these sure are some tough hombres.

    Skateboarders are more fun to watch fighting. I guess race car drivers want to get a leg-up on that other tough group of arse whoopers…. tennis players. LOL!

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
    • N37BU6
      Posted on August 21, 2011 at 11:27pm

      Tennis players could beat the hell out of most drivers. It’s a tough sport.

      Report Post » N37BU6  
  • NEMATIC
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 1:47pm

    Canadian dude find a new profession.

    Report Post » NEMATIC  
  • crackerone
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 1:46pm

    Little whiney French Canadian. Good ridence. Probably ran and hid in the trees like his ancestor’s.

    Report Post »  
  • bikerr
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 1:45pm

    My Apology. That’s funny!

    Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 1:45pm

    Looks to me like he was fighting like a girl, pulling hair. At least we know he doesn‘t have a toupee’.

    Report Post »  
  • EddardinWinter
    Posted on August 21, 2011 at 1:44pm

    Hair pulling between a driver and pit crew. NASCAR better start damage control now.

    Report Post » EddardinWinter  
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