During last Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway, there was an incident involving Sam Mayer and Jeb Burton. It was wild enough to warrant a suspension from NASCAR.
Mayer made contact with Burton and spun him into the outside wall after the checkered flag. NASCAR's senior vice president of competition, Elton Sawyer, said this type of behavior wouldn't be tolerated. Well, he wasn't kidding.
On Tuesday afternoon, NASCAR announced that Mayer's maneuver violated Section 4.4.B of the Member Code of Conduct. As a result, he has been suspended from the Xfinity Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway this Saturday.
Haas Factory Team has decided that it won't appeal Mayer's suspension.
"Although we are disappointed with the results, Haas Factory Team will not appeal the penalty NASCAR issued to Sam Mayer and the No. 41 team following last weekend's race at Martinsville Speedway," the team said. "We remain focused on finishing the season out strong at Phoenix Raceway and looking forward to contending for a race win with Ryan Sieg at the wheel."
Fans torn on this suspension.
Immediately after NASCAR announced this decision, fans went on social media to share their thoughts.
"Love to see it," one fan wrote on X.
"That’s so stupid. Fine him… dock him some points but you can’t suspend him," a second fan said.
"Definitely deserved," another person replied.
"I don’t think a suspension is warranted here. What he did was wrong but precedence says a fine and a points penalty," a social media user argued.
Mayer was already eliminated from championship contention prior to his suspension.
The Xfinity Series championship race will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
