"Worst driver"; "Put a lot of people at risk" - NASCAR fans slam Corey Lajoie after reckless Pocono move involving multiple cars

NASCAR fans were livid over Corey LaJoie's actions following his crash with Kyle Busch during the NASCAR Cup race in Pocono. LaJoie's contact with Busch in the third stage of the race set the No. 8 Chevy driver up for his fifth DNF in his last seven races.

Disaster struck with 40 laps to go in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race, known as the Great American Getaway 400. A jam-up on a restart caused a major crash, and LaJoie's No. 7 Chevrolet made contact with Busch’s No. 8 Chevy as the field spread out and then attempted to approach Turn 1.

The nudge sent Busch’s car sliding through the infield grass and back up into traffic, collecting the cars of AJ Allmendinger, Harrison Burton, Ryan Preece, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

The incident was seen as reckless and dangerous, leading to an immediate backlash on social media. Fans and experts took to various platforms to vent their frustration with LaJoie. Richard Childress, the team owner of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), where Kyle Busch races, was one of the first to voice his displeasure. His words read:

"That damn 7 [Corey LaJoie] is a weapon. A damn weapon."

Fans followed with similar sentiments. One frustrated user wrote:

"Super intentional. He put a lot of people at risk and junked a lot of race cars."

Another commented:

"Worst driver in nascar"

Here are a few more reactions:

"Actually ban him at this point," a fan wrote.

"I’d say lajoie ran out of talent, but he doesn’t really have any," commented another livid user.

"How does bro have a ride in the cup series," questioned another.

"Looks like $50k to me," commented yet another.

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Kyle Busch denies the need for conversation with Corey LaJoie following Pocono crash

Corey LaJoie's crew was heard downplaying the incident and concentrating on their own race on the team radio after the crash. One team member said (via TobyChristie):

"He hooked himself."

Meanwhile, another crew member said:

"Fu*k him, we ain’t worried about him. We’re worried about ourselves."

In contrast, Kyle Busch displayed a rather laid-back approach. When asked about the incident, Busch expressed gratitude towards his team and sponsors, saying (via NBC):

"I just want to thank all of our partners and everybody that’s been behind our program at RCR, ECR Engines, obviously Zone nicotine pouches and Cheddar’s, Lucas Oil, everybody for their support and continuing to back us and be behind us, and of course the fans and Rowdy Nation as well, too."

When asked if he wanted to have a conversation with Corey LaJoie, Busch said:

"Nah."

Reigning champion Ryan Blaney of Team Penske ended up winning the NASCAR Cup race in Pocono. The win was his second at the racetrack and his second of the season, cementing his place in the Cup Series playoffs.

Veteran Denny Hamlin finished second. Alex Bowman, William Byron, and Joey Logano rounded up the top 5.