Sunday's NASCAR race at Talladega noticed driver Austin Hill get into it with the followers a little bit bit. Particularly, he flipped the fowl to some followers whereas driving to Victory Lane.
A debate ensued over whether or not NASCAR would – or ought to – self-discipline Hill. Finally, the league determined that punishment was not warranted.
"No NASCAR penalty report this week. Austin Hill not fined for flipping off the followers who have been taking pictures him the center finger after his Talladega win," NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck wrote on Wednesday.
No NASCAR penalty report this week. Austin Hill not fined for flipping off the followers who have been taking pictures him the center finger after his Talladega win.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 22, 2025
However does NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. agree with NASCAR that the actions deserved no punishment?
It seems he does.
Jul 12, 2025; Sonoma, California, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Sequence driver Austin Hill (21) waves after being launched to followers earlier than the beginning of the NASCAR Xfinity Sequence Race at Sonoma Raceway. Necessary Credit score: Stan Szeto-Imagn Photographs© Stan Szeto-Imagn Photographs
Dale Jr. Reacts
On the newest episode of his Dale Jr. Obtain podcast (which got here out previous to the announcement), Dale Jr. asserted that Hill was "simply giving it again" to followers who have been being inappropriate. He took it a step additional, declaring that NASCAR ought to in all probability "embrace this" and let drivers act like villains in the event that they wish to.
“Now, let’s be clear, Austin Hill didn’t drive – that is Austin Hill driving by the grandstands, driver’s facet towards the grandstand, he didn’t drive down the entrance straightaway along with his center finger within the air the entire method,” Dale Jr. stated. “He’s flipping a man off, and he’s wanting instantly on the digital camera, and he’s responding to some followers who’re in all probability two or three dudes within the grandstands which might be in all probability sitting there double-birding him, and he’s simply giving it again. And I agree.
“We have to embrace this to an extent. We name it out for what it’s. They like to hate him, you recognize? And so, I’m good with it. I agree with this put up right here about letting it slide as a result of it does add some shade. You realize, there’s not lots of people on the market prepared to be the villain, to be the unhealthy man, to be the man that’s, you recognize, not a number of guys prepared to try this.”
Do you agree with Dale Jr?
This story was initially reported by The Spun on Oct 23, 2025, the place it first appeared within the NASCAR part. Add The Spun as a Most popular Supply by clicking right here.
