Shane van Gisbergen received a crucial message from Chevrolet involving Ryan Blaney during their intense competition at Martinsville Speedway, sparking further debate on race manipulation. During the XFINITY 500—a pivotal event that determined the final two spots for the Championship 4 in Phoenix—only six drivers were in the running. Among those who ultimately advanced were William Byron and Ryan Blaney.
However, the race ended in controversy due to a dramatic last-lap wall ride by Christopher Bell and allegations that both Chevrolet and Toyota were involved in questionable tactics. Chevrolet drivers Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon were scrutinized for allegedly helping Byron by neither attempting to pass him nor allowing rivals to break through their formation. Similarly, Toyota faced criticism over Bubba Wallace’s apparent slowdown, which seemed to allow his Toyota teammate, Bell, to pass him.
In the midst of this heated scenario, a revealing clip from Shane van Gisbergen’s radio communication surfaced, where Chevrolet emphasized Blaney’s actions during the race’s final phase—hinting at a possible payback. Blaney, in his bid to take the lead from Byron in the #24 Chevy, ended up making contact with van Gisbergen. This impact led van Gisbergen’s #16 Chevy to slide up the track and damage Byron’s vehicle, further reducing Byron’s speed.
Since van Gisbergen and Byron both represent Chevrolet, the “message from Chevrolet” raises significant questions about possible instructions aimed at helping the team’s drivers secure the best possible outcome in the elimination race. This incident, coupled with the alleged assistance within Chevrolet and Toyota camps, has amplified concerns around team orders and race manipulation heading into the final stretch of the NASCAR season.
