Casey Mears reveals NASCAR's alleged race manipulation in 2005

In 2005, Casey Mears, a former NASCAR driver, alleged that NASCAR manipulated race outcomes that directly influenced his career trajectory. Mears, who competed full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series between 2003 and 2016, recalled during a recent conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr. that he believed he was cheated out of three races due to late caution flags thrown by NASCAR officials. These incidents, he believes, occurred during a crucial time in his career and if he had secured those victories, his professional path could have been drastically different. Moreover, Mears pointed out to Earnhardt that the pattern of increased caution flags seemed to align coincidentally with new television contracts, raising suspicions amongst drivers and fans alike. This perception of race manipulation wasn't merely isolated to Mears; it has echoed throughout the NASCAR community, where fans and drivers expressed skepticism about the fairness of race events. The ongoing discussion also highlights a broader sentiment within NASCAR about the quality of racing, especially recent events at tracks like Darlington, where audiences have been dissatisfied with race outcomes and overall product quality. Some fans believe the current racecars, described by critics as 'woke,' have stifled competitive racing, making it difficult for drivers to pass one another and creating a dull viewing experience. As for Mears, his career is marked by just one victory in the prestigious Coke 600, a stark contrast to the potential he saw in those three races in 2005. Such accusations and the lingering sentiments exemplify a deeper concern within the NASCAR community regarding the integrity of the sport, the competition's fairness, and what the future holds for both the drivers and the fans who support them.