Finger pointing. The blame game. Whatever you want to call it, Saturday’s Sprint All-Star Race was full of confusion. It started with Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth’s comments after a six-car wreck in the second segment and continued on social media immediately following the exhibition race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The format was announced three weeks ago and had been heralded being thought up with the help of Brad Keselowski.
That’s where criticism was directed from Denny Hamlin following the race.
No sir it didn't. It came from 1. Nobody liked it https://t.co/DbpWudod1X
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) May 22, 2016
The changes to the cars have them racing better this year period. THAT part is going in a good direction. https://t.co/kdHjN58XYF
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) May 22, 2016
Keselowski, who finished second Saturday night, quickly defended the race.
Well according to Twitter, Guess I finished 2nd in the worst action packed all-star race with passing for the lead ever. #Amazing
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) May 22, 2016
Other drivers had begun voicing their own confusion during the race, with plenty of jokes to go around.
Just so I know everyone else is confused too right? How did half the field remain a lap down? #SprintAllStar #NASCAR
— Ty Dillon (@tydillon) May 22, 2016
I will say again hats off to @NASCAR for the close racing just wished we could have see the field inverted properly! #NASCAR #SprintAllStar
— Ty Dillon (@tydillon) May 22, 2016
I think I can still win the #SprintAllStar race. Looked up rule 333 I'm on the way back to @CLTMotorSpdwy !
— Austin Dillon (@austindillon3) May 22, 2016
Boy it's really gonna bite em in the ass if the pit road penalty car ends up on front row for last segment. 🙈
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) May 22, 2016