Motorsport has always danced on the razor’s edge between glory and danger. Fans still remember the gut-wrenching day in 2001 when Dale Earnhardt lost his life on the final lap at Daytona. Similar chills ran down spines during Ryan Newman’s harrowing 2020 Daytona 500 crash, where few believed he’d climb out alive. This danger is not restricted just to the highest level of stock car racing; even in grassroots short-track racing, the risks are painfully real, and Mike Joy is calling for action to be taken.
The high speeds, tight packs, and quick tempers mean one wrong move can change a life. It’s the brutal nature of racing that draws people in and occasionally breaks hearts. This week, an ugly incident at an iconic short track left a driver hospitalized and sent veteran broadcaster Mike Joy into an uncharacteristically blunt, public outburst on X.
A short-track rivalry turns dangerous as Mike Joy gives solutions on X
It all went down at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, a legendary Connecticut short-track. Longtime rivals Corey Fanning (#11) and Ryan Waterman (#75) clashed in a heated Late Model feature. After a bump in Turn 4 from Waterman, Fanning retaliated heading into Turn 1. Well, retaliated might be a softer term, as the actions from Fanning were blatantly intentional and something unacceptable even at the highest level of racing.
Corey Fanning, right rear hooked Ryan Waterman into the wall, a move that receives a one-race suspension in NASCAR for the dangers it can cause. And Waterman’s injuries were no joke. Reports confirmed a broken sternum, a concussion, and a sprained wrist. The 75 car was a mangled mess. Fans in the stands knew it wasn’t your average racing incident. Fanning was immediately disqualified and tossed from the track. But for many, including veteran FOX NASCAR announcer Mike Joy, that wasn’t nearly enough.
Mike Joy took to X with a five-part thread. He admitted that he didn’t feel Corey Fanning meant to injure Ryan Waterman. Yet, Joy didn’t let Fanning off the hook. He described the move as reckless. One of his five posts on X read, “Fanning could have braked, or steered right to minimize or avoid hooking 75 in the right rear. He did neither. Intentionally or not, he wrecked Waterman. Fanning was thrown out. What should happen next?”
Per https://t.co/vEJvnDHRUW, Fanning (#11) was tossed out.
Per the OP, two days later Ryan Waterman (#75) is still in hospital. Broken sternum, concussion, sprained wrist. https://t.co/dK3FgmcUx2— Mike Joy (@mikejoy500) April 17, 2025
However, Mike Joy’s frustration wasn’t just about one crash. It was about setting a better example for local short tracks everywhere. He asked Thompson Speedway to turn this ugly moment into a teaching opportunity. Joy wrote on X, “How does @ThompsonSpdy make this a teaching moment, and prevent future acts? a: Suspend Fanning from competition until Waterman is healthy enough to return. b: He should spend three complete race nights as a member of the Track Crew, retrieving bent and broken race cars.” Joy feels that Fanning getting to work with the people who bear the brunt of the damage he caused to Waterman’s car can give him perspective on his actions and hopefully spur some reflective thinking.
But Mike Joy didn’t stop there. He, finally, added that Fanning should also spend three race events with the Tech Inspection Team. This can help ensure the legality of winning cars. When all three tasks are completed, to track satisfaction and Waterman returns in a healthy condition, Joy suggested that both drivers may be allowed to race. But under probation. It was a bold, thoughtful take from a man who’s seen racing’s best and worst.
It’s the kind of accountability grassroots racing desperately needs. Mike Joy’s message wasn’t about punishment, it was about protecting drivers and preserving respect on the track. In a sport where tempers run hot and risks run high, moments like these remind everyone what’s really at stake.
Is grassroots racing becoming more dangerous?
Grassroots racing remains a thrilling entry point for motorsport enthusiasts, but safety concerns are growing amid evolving risks. While professional series have advanced safety measures, grassroots levels often face challenges due to limited resources and variable safety standards. Adding to concerns about grassroots racing dangers, Samantha Busch, wife of NASCAR star Kyle Busch, has firmly prohibited him from racing in 410 sprint car events. She cites the extreme risks associated with these high-powered, lightweight machines on short dirt tracks. Samantha stated bluntly, “It’s not happening. No. I draw the line somewhere. They are so dangerous.”However, recent efforts aim to address these gaps and improve protection for all racers.
The FIA recently introduced new technical guidelines focused exclusively on safety for grassroots touring car racing. These rules cover essential areas like safety cages, fire protection, driver equipment, and vehicle access, while allowing flexibility for local conditions. This approach helps grassroots clubs raise safety standards without compromising accessibility or affordability.
Despite these advances, grassroots racing is never safe. Drivers often face high G-forces, rapid impacts, and unpredictable conditions. First responders emphasize the importance of specialized training tailored to local tracks and car types, which has significantly improved emergency response over the years. However, many grassroots racers may underestimate risks due to lower speeds or shorter races, making education on safety gear and procedures critical.
The ongoing challenge is balancing the inherent excitement of grassroots racing with the need for enhanced safety culture. While new technologies and guidelines are promising, widespread adoption and continuous training remain essential. What do you think? Is it time for wholesale changes to grassroots racing? Let us know in the comments.
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