Over the past weekend, former NASCAR Cup Series racer Matt Tifft was the target of a violent physical confrontation at a race track in Toledo, Ohio.
Tifft, who now competes in the ASA STARS National Tour, found himself embroiled in a post-race altercation after being taken out of the race by seventh-place finishers Billy VanMeter and Even Shotko. In an attempt to address the crash, Tifft approached the VanMeter team, only to be met with brutality.
The altercation spiraled quickly when Tifft was assaulted and brought to the ground by members of the VanMeter team. An unidentified member then delivered a vicious kick to Tifft’s face while he was defenseless on the ground.
Amid the chaos, a voice from the opposing team chillingly declared, “Get outta here, you came to the wrong place.” Following the attack, Tifft, bloodied, was helped to his feet. Despite his injuries, he continued advocating for fair play among racers, commenting, “Just don’t take everybody out man.”
Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images
Tifft later took to social media to share a video of the incident, expressing his frustration and disappointment.
“Had a great race until getting wrecked by someone who went on to take out 3 more cars. 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.'”
Had a great race until getting wrecked by someone who went on to take out 3 more cars. 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.’ pic.twitter.com/qIIudnKto1
— Matt Tifft (@matt_tifft) September 15, 2024
Speaking to the media, Tifft commented, as quoted by Sports Illustrated:
“That’s about as low as it gets.
“I don’t think I would press charges for myself,” said Tifft. “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.”
Tifft’s racing career has seen its share of challenges. Known for his stint in the NASCAR Cup Series during the 2019 season, where he participated in 32 races, Tifft also competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Craftsman Truck Series. However, his promising career faced an abrupt interruption due to a medical diagnosis of epilepsy. In 2019, Tifft suffered a seizure during a race at Martinsville Speedway, Virginia. As a result, he had to step back from the driver’s seat.
Transitioning from a professional race car driver, Tifft became the co-owner of Live Fast Motorsports, distinguishing himself as the youngest owner in the Cup Series at just 24 years old.
