Former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft was involved in an altercation post-race with members of Billy VanMeter’s crew during the ASA STARS National Tour event at Toledo Speedway on Saturday.
Caught on video and widely circulated on social media, the incident culminated with Tifft being kicked in the head by a member of VanMeter’s team.
The confrontation began when Tifft approached VanMeter after the race to discuss an early-race incident. The situation quickly escalated as Tifft was put into a headlock, thrown to the ground, and then kicked in the head by Bryan Glaze, a crew member from VanMeter’s team.
Tifft shared a video of the moment to social media, stating, as Newsweek Sports previously reported:
Matt Tifft, driver of the #36 Surface Sunscreen Ford, is introduced prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 17, 2019 in Bristol, Tennessee. Matt Tifft’s attacker releases a public apology.
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
“Had a great race until getting wrecked by someone who went on to take out three more cars,” he wrote.
“Can’t stand people with no respect for others’ equipment. Always a good sign when several teams thank you after confronting them. Hopefully, the last time getting ‘VanMetered’.”
Bryan Glaze, the individual responsible for kicking Tifft, issued an apology through Facebook, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his actions. He commented, as quoted by Sports Illustrated:
“I’m sure by now everyone has saw the video going around. I first of all want to apologize to Matt Tifft. I acted in a manner that isn’t acceptable and wish I could change it. I truly and honestly thought he just knocked my little brother Billy out.”
He added:
“I reacted outta anger which by any means isn’t acceptable. I can promise you one thing I’m very disappointed in myself and my actions. Billy isn’t just a driver he’s my little brother that I sacrifice all of my free time to make sure I can do my part to grease the wheel. I also want to apologize to Billy, Ed & Donne, Vandoorn Racing, and all of our sponsors.”
Tifft, who previously stepped away from full-time racing due to epilepsy, acknowledged the broader implications of such violent outbursts.
“That’s about as low as it gets.
“I don’t think I would press charges for myself. But, what I don’t like is that series of Late Model racing, a lot of 13, 14, 15-year-old kids come up through there, and we don’t need somebody like that in the pit lane who is dangerous and obviously something’s wrong with him.”
It is yet to be confirmed whether Tifft will decide to go ahead and take legal action against Glaze.
