The ASA STARS National Tour issued penalties to drivers Matt Tifft and Billy VanMeter as well as VanMeter’s crew member Bryan Glaze.
Matt Tifft via Matt Tifft YouTube
In a penalty report, the sanctioning body fined Tifft $250, penalized him 25 ASA Stars National Tour and ASA/CRA Super Series Championship Driver Points, and placed him on probation for the rest of the calendar year.
Tifft was found guilty of a number of rules including Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Fighting. The Tour specifically noted he “entered another team’s pit area, #23 EDCO Welding, resulting in an altercation between the two parties deemed as fighting.”
Matt Tifft via Matt Tifft on X
Glaze was suspended indefinitely from all ASA and CRA sanctioned events. His team, EDCO Welding, was fined $2,000 and was penalized 25 ASA STARS National Tour and ASA/CRA Super Series Championship Points. He was also deemed a repeat offender and thus received “heightened penalties.”
Both the owner and team were also placed on probation for the rest of the calendar year.
Bryan Glaze kicks Matt Tifft via Matt Tifft on X
Finally, the ASA STARS National Tour officials penalized Billy VanMeter for engaging “in driving that has resulted in excessive number of on-track incidents during the season.” More specifically he was deemed guilty of “Rough Driving”
He was penalized 25 Championship Driver Points and was put on probation until the end of the calendar year.
Billy VanMeter via Matt Tifft on X
The penalty reports comes in the wake of Tifft getting wrecked by VanMeter then getting plowed into by Evan Shotko who had nowhere to go. Tifft attempted to confront VanMeter in the pits resulting in a fight breaking out.
Tifft was drug behind an electronics trailer and wrestled to the ground. While pinned to the ground Glaze kicked Tifft in the head.
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
On Monday, Tifft indicated he might press charges sharing in a video, ““At the track they asked me if I wanted to press charges. I initially said no, but looking back on it, honestly, I don’t think I would press charges for myself, 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 who is dangerous and obviously something’s wrong with them. So I’ve been thinking about it more, we’ll see.”
An update on Saturday’s altercation, let me know what you think. pic.twitter.com/DMNF7JD4Pt
— Matt Tifft (@matt_tifft) September 16, 2024
Glaze issued an apology on Monday as well. He wrote on Facebook, “Im sure by now everyone has saw the video going around. I first of all want to apologize and wish I could change it. I truly and honestly thought he just knocked my little brother Billy out. I reacted outta anger which by any means isnt acceptable. I can promise you one thing im very disappointed in myself and my actions. Billy isnt just a driver he’s my little brother that i sacrifice all my free time to make sure I can do my part to grease the wheel. I also want to apologize to Billy, ED&Donna, Vandoorn racing, and all of our sponsors.”
https://t.co/SFYDxJ7VZn pic.twitter.com/YT5tPqjE7l
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) September 16, 2024
After being penalized Tifft accepted the punishment writing on X, “I accept these fines and understand my penalty for my involvement. But, I’m very glad to see ASA STARS National Tour taking the right steps and kicking out someone who doesn’t need to be in the pits. Well done.”
I accept these fines and understand my penalty for my involvement. But, I’m very glad to see @racewithstars taking the right steps and kicking out someone who doesn’t need to be in the pits. Well done 👍 https://t.co/Cj7G7AZJ8X
— Matt Tifft (@matt_tifft) September 17, 2024
Billy VanMeter issued a statement to Facebook where he indicated that Glaze would no longer be working with the team. He wrote, “I, Billy VanMeter my race team and family want to take a moment and apologize for the situation that took place at Toledo Speedway Saturday night. We have taken steps internally and Bryan Glaze is no longer involved with the team.”
“Additionally, I as a driver am going to take all of this and try to grow and mature on and off the track,” he continued. I was hit by Matt Tifft he enter my pit as I stood next to my car said WTF and hit me no one’s seeing that side of the story it’s unfortunate how it turned out for all involved.”
“We as a team want to apologize to our fans, sponsors, Toledo Speedway, the officials, drivers, STARS National Tour, and ASA. We accept the penalties and will learn from this and better as a driver and team,” he concluded.
Billy VanMeter on Facebook
What do you make of the penalties?