"Hypocrite" - NASCAR mechanic blasts Dale Jr.'s podcast co-host Brett Griffin for Austin Dillon stance

NASCAR Cup Series' recent visit to Richmond Raceway witnessed a wild finish to the race, as Austin Dillon wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin to take the checkered flag. The controversial finish evoked mixed reactions from fans, with longtime spotter Brett Griffin suggesting Dillon just capitalized on the playoff format that incentivized victories.

The #3 Richard Childress Racing team was back to life at Richmond after a disastrous campaign, with Dillon leading the race in the final laps. A late race caution triggered an overtime finish, setting up for a thrilling climax. The #3 Chevy driver lost the lead to Logano on the restart and later bumped him out of the way and then tagged Hamlin to win the race.

The dramatic finish to the race has created plenty of buzz on social media, with Dale Jr's Door, Bumper, Clear podcast co-host Brett Griffin stating that Dillon capitalized on the "win and you're in" playoff system to punch his playoff ticket. He suggested that Dillon had everything to gain from the victory, and very little to lose from his actions in the final lap.

Griffin wrote on X that the #3 RCR driver just upset a few people in the Cup garage and wouldn't be concerned about outrage on social media.

"I get it. Some of yall are mad. What did he gain?...A win. A trophy. Some cash. A playoff berth. All star status. What did he lose? He pissed some people in the garage off. He doesn’t care if you’re mad...Win at all cost is the name of the game isn’t it?"

Dave Green, a NASCAR mechanic, criticized Griffin's opinion, labeling him a "hypocrite." Green wrote that Griffin's opinion would be different if his driver was wrecked on the final lap.

"Hypocrite. If it was against his team, he wouldn’t be saying this. He must’ve been a mentor for the spotter on the #3…."

Although Austin Dillon was en route to clinch a well-deserved victory before the overtime restart, the last-lap incident has left many unhappy.

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Richard Childress on Austin Dillon's charge to victory

Austin Dillon's grandfather, Richard Childress, is no stranger to situations like these, having worked with 'The Intimidator' - Dale Earnhardt. Addressing Dillon's late-race contact with Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin, the NASCAR Cup team owner revealed that he has always told his grandson to do whatever it takes to win.

Speaking in the post-race press conference, Childress said (via Speedwaydigest.com):

"They would have done it to him, you know? It’s one of those deals that when it comes down to winning a race and you’re in that position, you’re hungry, you do what it takes. That’s what I told him all his life."

With Austin Dillon advancing into the playoffs, Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano have hinted about paying back the favors. When asked about potential retaliation from the #11 and #22 drivers, Childress suggested that it was "short-track racing" and that any driver would do whatever it takes to win the race.