Published 02/01/2023, 4:17 AM EST
The Ross Chastain Hail Melon move not only got millions and millions of eyes on NASCAR, but it also had NASCAR’s eyes on itself for something far more important than publicity and the spectacle – Will they allow something like that to happen again considering how dangerous it could get if things go wrong? While many would argue it should be allowed, at least NASCAR and Chase Elliott are on the same page.
In fact, Elliott’s prediction of whether there’ll be another such move preceded NASCAR’s official ruling down on it by only a few days.
Yes, NASCAR has decided to ban the Hail Melon move effectively, as Elliott predicted in a recent conversation on the Heidi and Frank Morning Show.
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“I think that was one and done. I don’t think that’ll happen again. It was just something that the sanctioning body just wasn’t prepared for,” the Hendrick Motorsports driver said.
“I don’t think you’ll see that again.”
Fans do not agree with NASCAR banning the Hail Melon
The Hail Melon was an instant fan favorite that quickly climbed the charts of spectacle, to cult favorite, to legendary within hours. Of course, the fact that it brought a lot of spotlight and publicity on NASCAR on a global level, didn’t hurt its popularity too.
So naturally, now that it is banned, the fans are left with a sour taste in their mouth.
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Kyle Larson stood with Chase Elliott against the Hail Melon move
While there were many drivers who agreed with the NASCAR fans about the ‘awesomeness’ of Ross Chastain’s incredibly brave but potentially dangerous move at Martinsville, Kyle Larson was pretty vocal about it not being a good look for the sport and racing.
“It doesn’t take any talent to floor it against the wall and go two seconds quicker than the field,” Larson said according to USA Today. “I don’t think that’s fair. It’s not fair at all.”
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 01: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson speaks with the media during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day at Charlotte Convention Center on September 01, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Larson added that his opinion on the move doesn’t mean he has anything personal against Chastain. He accepted that the move was “crazy,” “awesome”, and brave. But still, his opinion doesn’t change.
“It could be anyone in the field to pull that move, and I would have felt the same way about it,” the 2021 Cup champion added.
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“It’s not fair racing.”