CHARLOTTE, N.C. — SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts Larry McReynolds and Danielle Trotta faced sharp criticism Tuesday after taking indirect shots at NASCAR legend Mark Martin and driver Denny Hamlin during a discussion defending the current NASCAR playoff format. The remarks, aired on their show “On Track,” sparked outrage among fans and journalists, who accused the hosts of being tone-deaf and overly aligned with NASCAR’s official narrative.
Larry McReynolds, oh brother.
The controversy began when Trotta referenced a driver on the playoff committee pushing for a return to the traditional points system, saying, “They have these committees now where drivers sit in, and I am not gonna mention the driver that’s on the playoff committee that I’ve heard is screaming loudly to go back to that system.” McReynolds interjected, “I bet it’s a driver that’s not won a championship,” a clear jab at Martin, whose storied career lacks a Cup Series title, and possibly Hamlin, a vocal critic of the playoff format who has yet to win a championship despite 54 career victories.
Fans, self-dubbed “DARFs” (Dumbass Race Fans), a term embraced as a rallying cry for those feeling disrespected by NASCAR’s modern direction, flooded X with condemnation. Posts from users like @Megafrayder2 called McReynolds’ comment “disgusting,” while @JoshuapBoston99 labeled the hosts’ remarks “absolutely uncalled for,” demanding their contracts be terminated. @Fireball_Hamlin praised Martin’s legacy, calling him “one of the best drivers to ever step foot inside a NASCAR Cup Series car.” The DARFs’ passion underscored their frustration with a sport they see as increasingly out of touch.
Journalist Jeff Gluck, a respected voice in NASCAR coverage, joined the criticism, highlighting the hosts’ dismissive tone toward Martin’s advocacy for a points-based system. Gluck’s comments on X amplified the backlash, pointing to the hosts’ apparent refusal to engage with valid critiques of the playoff format, which many argue overemphasizes single-race wins over season-long consistency.
Meanwhile, Gluck contradicted himself later, going back and defending McReynolds, over what appeared to be a clear shot at Martin.
The point stands, whether Martin or Dover race winner Denny Hamlin, taking a shot at a Hall of Fame driver for practically no reason, shocked the DARF world.
Trotta attempted to defuse the situation with a tweet to Martin, writing, “Mark you know I love you but what we got is a whole lot better than what we used to do. We need a playoff we need eliminations we need to reward winning and consistency.” The post, intended as a conciliatory gesture, was widely panned, getting “ratio’d” as fans overwhelmed it with critical replies. @MoneyTalks1992_ called the hosts’ condescension “appalling,” accusing them of living in a NASCAR echo chamber. @RonC_34 demanded accountability, urging the hosts to “address that shit and quit hiding behind corporate masters.”
McReynolds and Trotta, both seasoned broadcasters with deep NASCAR roots, are widely respected for their expertise. McReynolds, a former crew chief with 23 Cup wins, and Trotta, a veteran journalist, deliver insightful commentary on “On Track.” However, their defense of the playoff format, perceived as blindly loyal to NASCAR’s stance, has drawn accusations of acting as “state media mouthpieces.” The DARFs, a vocal online community, deserve praise for calling out this misstep, reflecting a broader discontent with NASCAR’s resistance to reform.
Larry McReynolds and Danielle Trotta might need to open with an apology on their Wednesday morning show or the DARF nation will likely be calling for their heads.
For once, we had a Sirius XM NASCAR Radio weekly controversy that did not involve Dave Moody on the afternoon airwaves. So, that’s progress, I guess?
Seriously though, can we get back to appreciating the fanbase that keeps this sport afloat? This constant “we’re better than you” schtick from the higher ups and traveling media needs to be dialed back if they want anyone to keep watching NASCAR.
Larry McReynolds and Danielle Trotta work as hard as anyone on the pit lane, week in and week out. A simple apology on Wednesday would likely suffice here. For as good as Larry McReynolds and Danielle Trotta are at their craft, the tone deaf approach here is out of line and must be addressed.
The hosts’ comments were not only dismissive but also a disservice to Martin and Hamlin’s legitimate critiques. An apology is warranted to restore credibility and acknowledge the fans’ justified grievances. As NASCAR navigates its evolving identity, McReynolds and Trotta must listen to the DARFs, whose passion keeps the sport alive.
Kyle Larson, one of the wheelmen in the world, is racing a double this week.
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