WATCH: Massive controversy struck NASCAR after race winner broke two cars 'intentionally'

In a dramatic and controversial finish at the NASCAR Cup race in Richmond, Austin Dillon's aggressive tactics on the track sparked heated debates among fans, drivers, and officials alike. Dillon, driving the #3 Richard Childress machine, pulled off a series of bold moves in a desperate bid for victory, leaving many questioning the boundaries of fair play in motorsports.

As the race headed into overtime, Dillon found himself in a high-stakes situation. With his playoff hopes hanging by a thread, sitting 32nd in points, the "win and you're in" nature of the playoffs meant he had everything to gain and nothing to lose. The tension was palpable as the green flag waved for the final restart, with Joey Logano of Team Penske leading the charge.

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In a move that has become infamous in NASCAR lore, Dillon executed the classic "bump and run" on Logano, using the #22 car as a makeshift brake to propel himself forward. The result was catastrophic for Logano, who was sent crashing into the barriers. But Dillon wasn't done yet.

Here is the video:

A look at the finish of Sunday's race at @RichmondRaceway. pic.twitter.com/ZCM5eaokwR

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 12, 2024

In what many have described as an intentional act, Dillon then targeted Denny Hamlin, hooking the rear of Hamlin's car and sending it into the wall. This move is often regarded as crossing the line of acceptable racing behaviour. These moves have led to severe penalties for other drivers in the past, including race bans for Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott.

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Will NASCAR punish Dillon?

The incident left Hamlin furious, though he refrained from outright condemnation, instead deferring to NASCAR's judgment on the matter. Logano, however, didn't hold back. In a post-race interview, he harshly criticized Dillon's actions, calling them "chickenshit" and dismissing Dillon's career performance in a heated outburst.

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The frustration was evident as Logano reflected on the race, feeling robbed of a potential win by what he saw as reckless and unsportsmanlike behaviour. Despite the widespread criticism, NASCAR has yet to impose any significant penalties on Dillon, a decision that has only fueled the controversy. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether the governing body is setting a dangerous precedent by seemingly endorsing such aggressive tactics.

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