Former NASCAR driver Matt Tifft found himself in a heated situation following the ASA STARS National Tour race at Toledo Speedway over the weekend. Tifft, who was already frustrated by an incident during the race, approached fellow driver Billy VanMeter to discuss the matter, leading to an unexpected confrontation.
What unfolded was a shocking altercation that was caught on camera and quickly made its way across social media, showing Tifft being headlocked and then kicked in the head by Bryan Glaze, a crew member of VanMeter’s team.
Tifft expressed his frustrations on social media, remarking, “Had a great race until getting wrecked by someone who went on to take out three more cars.” He lamented the lack of respect some individuals have for others’ equipment and noted that some teams even thanked him after the incident. He humorously commented that this hopefully would be the last time he gets “VanMetered.”
In the aftermath, Bryan Glaze took to Facebook to apologize for his actions, recognizing that his behavior was unacceptable. He stated, “I’m very disappointed in myself and my actions,” detailing his emotional response after mistakenly believing Tifft had harmed his brother, Billy, during the race.
Tifft, who has faced his own challenges stepping back from full-time racing due to epilepsy, stressed the disturbing nature of such outbursts in a sport where young drivers look up to the adults around them. He remarked, “I don’t think I would press charges for myself…But we don’t need somebody like that in the pit lane who is dangerous.”
As it stands, Tifft has not confirmed any intentions to pursue legal action against Glaze, leaving the situation open-ended.