Former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft violently attacked at Toledo Speedway

Former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft was violently attacked at the Toledo Speedway during the ASA STARS National Super Late Model race. The altercation involved fellow driver Billy VanMeter and his crew member Bryan Glaze after an on-track incident where VanMeter spun Tifft out. The heated confrontation culminated in Bryan Glaze tackling Tifft to the ground and kicking him in the face, resulting in a bloody nose and a black eye.

The incident, which happened on Saturday, has prompted possible legal action from the driver. The conflict began when Tifft approached VanMeter in his pit stall following the race, intent on confronting him about what happened during the race that saw his car spin. What was expected to be a verbal confrontation quickly escalated into physical violence.

Tifft was forcefully tackled and kicked while down, an act he later condemned on social media platform X , calling the move "chickens***" and adding his disapproval of such behavior in the sport. "First off, I'm okay. Nothing broken, just got that [black eye]," Tifft wrote.

"But what's a chickens*** move really is getting thrown on the ground and then somebody coming up and kicking someone while they're on the ground and that's about as low as it gets." Tifft initially declined to press charges at the track. However, he is reconsidering his decision, driven by concerns for the safety of young racers in the series.

He discussed the importance of maintaining a secure environment, especially for the 13 to 15-year-olds who are there to watch racing. "At the track, they asked me if I wanted to press charges. I initially said no but looking back on it, I don't think I would press charges for myself," Tifft explained.

"But what I don't like is the fact that 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 area who's dangerous and obviously something's wrong with him." Bryan Glaze, who was responsible for the attack, issued a public apology through Facebook .

His remorseful statement acknowledged the inappropriateness of his actions, explaining that his reaction was driven by a protective instinct toward his brother Billy VanMeter. "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. 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." The assault on Tifft has unfortunately cast a spotlight on the urgent need for enforcing proper conduct at races.

Tifft, admitting that VanMeter should retire from NASCAR, said: "I'll be back and racing the series. Had a lot of fun driving those cars. But a driver who takes out $200,000 worth of equipment and crew guys like that, they got no place in our sport.

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