NASCAR CEO Brian France's behavior at awards ceremony creates buzz on social media
Sat, Dec 2 10:25 AM EST
France abruptly handed Martin Truex Jr. his NASCAR Cup championship ring before walking off without a handshake. Fans were buzzing on social media Friday about what they called awkward and rude behavior by NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France at Thursday night's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
In a moment shared via GIF by many fans and reporters on Twitter, France abruptly handed Martin Truex Jr. his NASCAR Cup championship ring before walking off without a handshake.
France also drew criticism for his extremely brief introduction of Dale Earnhardt Jr. for recieving the Bill France Award of Excellence, an award named in honor of France's father, the longtime chairman and CEO of NASCAR. Many felt Earnhardt deserved more of a thank you and goodbye after finishing his career as a full-time driver this season.
France has always been a polarizing figure for many NASCAR fans, based in part on the multitude of changes he has ushered in since being named chairman and CEO in 2003. Among the changes France has overseen is the introduction of NASCAR's playoffs, stage racing and new car designs.
For those fans who love to criticize France, Thursday was a very good night.