Tony Stewart’s Driver Advocates His Innocence After Being Blamed by Fans to Trigger Controversial Chaos at Indy

The Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was marred by a controversial crash on lap 74 that left fans and drivers fuming. Triggered by Ryan Preece, the incident involved multiple cars, including those of William Byron and AJ Allmendinger, and ignited a wave of outrage within the NASCAR community.

Many criticized the decision-making of NASCAR officials during the incident, questioning the timing of caution flags and the handling of the race, further intensifying the uproar. Preece explained his side of the story on his X account, but it did not go down as well as he may have planned, as the comment section was ablaze.

Ryan Preece’s role in the Indy crash under fireADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The chaos on the tracks unfolded when Chase Briscoe attempted to downshift his No. 14 Ford while exiting Turn 2. In the process, making contact with William Byron‘s car, which was running side-by-side with Preece and Harrison Burton. It was a slight nudge but created an opening for Ryan Preece, who seized the opportunity and in turn ended up pushing Byron off his course. Yikes!

What’s your reaction?Did Tony Stewart’s driver just get unfairly blamed for the Indy chaos? React!

The impact sent the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 car spinning across the track, where it slammed into the wall on the left side. Alongside, AJ Allmendinger’s No. 16 car also got caught up in the wreckage, with both drivers suffering DNFs (Did Not Finish). Medical personnel quickly attended to the drivers, but they were cleared to continue after a brief check-up.

In the aftermath of the crash, Preece took to Twitter to defend himself, explaining that his car’s fuel pressure had dropped significantly, causing him to lose power and run out of fuel. “To clear the air. Normal operating Fuel Pressure is 66psi. When I slowed, the engine went to 12 psi. The engine would not go at WOT. (Wide open throttle) I ran out of fuel,” he tweeted.

To clear the air.

Normal operating Fuel Pressure is 66psi.

When I slowed, the engine went to 12 psi.

The engine would not go at WOT. (Wide open throttle)

I ran out of fuel. https://t.co/TAUUy0fY8R

— Ryan Preece (@RyanPreece_) July 22, 2024

However, despite Preece’s explanation, NASCAR fans were quick to criticize him and point a finger at the driver for the incident, expressing their frustration over the turn of events. The crash not only impacted the race’s outcome but also stirred up a whirlwind of emotions among spectators, highlighting the intense passion and rivalry that NASCAR racing ignites.

Fans lash out at PreeceTrendingThe Brickyard 400 was expected to be a thrilling event, but the lap 74 crash has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many fans and drivers. As the exploration into the incident continues, the racing community waits with bated breath to see how the situation will unfold and whether Ryan Preece‘s actions will be deemed justified or reckless. Fan give their take on the situation, not holding back as they glare at the Stewart-Haas Racing’s driver for his carelessness.

One fan cheekily remarked, “And you ran out of talent,” suggesting that Preece’s driving skills were lacking in that moment. Another chimed in, questioning why he didn’t just back off, stating, “It was obvious you were slowing and had a problem (which was fuel).”

Article continues below this ad

However, not everyone was throwing shade. A supporter defended Preece, saying, “It’s all good Ryan, those of us here who actually understand racing know the deal. Keep plugging away, you’re too good a driver to stay down for long!”

Others were critical of NASCAR, with one fan exclaiming, “NASCAR is unbelievable for not throwing it sooner!” Another pointed out, “If he had run out, he wouldn’t have done burnouts,” implying that Preece still had some power left in his tank.

One observer speculated, “It really seemed like he checked up hard. Wonder if he was starting to sputter a tad,” while another noted, “Sure looked like the 41 ran out of gas, or at least bobbled, hence why he slowed in front of the 9 so quickly.”

Article continues below this ad

Finally, a frustrated fan demanded, “We need an explanation from NASCAR. Really think the fans deserve to hear the line of logic here since it was clear the 41 was not moving.”

As the debate raged on, it was clear that the NASCAR community was deeply invested in the unfolding drama, whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, everyone was talking about it! What do you think about the incident? Was Preece at fault? How should NASCAR address the concerns raised by fans?