NASCAR Shakeup: Fired Spotter Tab Boyd Joins Joe Gibbs Racing Amid Controversy

Mexico City, Mexico - In the world of NASCAR, where high speeds and thrilling competition intertwine, recent events have stirred significant waves both on and off the track. Tab Boyd, previously a spotter for Ricky Stenhouse Jr., found himself in hot water following comments he made on social media during the NASCAR Cup Series event in Mexico City. His posts, lamenting an experience of being hustled out of money outside his hotel, led to his termination from Hyak Motorsports. Expressing frustration, Boyd remarked, “I’m ready to go home, screw this place.” Consequently, his social media account has been deleted, leaving fans speculating about the fallout of his statements. Boyd’s position was swiftly filled by Clayton Hughes, who will take over as the spotter for the No. 47 car at Pocono Raceway. However, it’s not all doom and gloom for Boyd; he has already secured a new job as the spotter for Christopher Bell, who boasts an impressive 12 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, including three so far in 2025. He is set to debut in this role at Atlanta this weekend, as reported by Racing News.

The turmoil surrounding Boyd isn’t the only story emerging from Mexico City. NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar also found himself in hot water after making derogatory comments about the city during a live stream. His remarks prompted a $50,000 fine from Spire Motorsports, which has made it clear such attitudes do not reflect their values. Hocevar subsequently apologized, sharing that it was his first trip outside the U.S. and admitting he had fallen for negative stereotypes about Mexico City. To further underscore the seriousness of the matter, Hocevar has been mandated to attend cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training. The fine will not go unnoticed, as Spire Motorsports plans to donate it to three organizations that support Mexican communities, including Cruz Roja Mexicana, Un Kilo de Ayuda, and Fondo Unido México, reinforcing NASCAR’s commitment to respect and inclusivity, as detailed by AP News.

A Changing Landscape

As NASCAR navigates through these controversies, it also grapples with its broader image and fanbase diversity. Historically, NASCAR has faced criticism for its association with a predominantly white, Southern demographic. A significant incident occurred in June 2020, involving Bubba Wallace, the only Black driver in a sport where only four minority drivers compete against a field of 36. In an attempt to unify fans, Wallace’s car was pushed to the front of the grid following a racially charged incident. The FBI later deemed the event not a hate crime, a conclusion that some, including President Trump, labeled as a hoax. Despite these challenges, Wallace’s triumph at Talladega Speedway in October 2021 and ongoing advocacy for diversity have illuminated the path forward for NASCAR, emphasizing the need for systemic change and inclusivity, as USC Annenberg Media discusses.

NASCAR’s commitment to diversity stretches back to 2004 with its „Drive for Diversity“ program, which has since introduced 450 students into the sport. However, the journey towards a more inclusive environment has not been without resistance, as some segments of its audience continue to voice their dissent against change. NASCAR’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, Brandon Thompson, remains optimistic, stating that their direction towards inclusivity will not be dictated by a vocal minority. By engaging with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of America and emphasizing their values of respect, NASCAR hopes to bridge the gap and make the sport welcoming for all.

As NASCAR pushes forward, it faces an evolving fanbase and mounting challenges, but the recent events involving Boyd and Hocevar highlight the ongoing dialogue about respect, representation, and understanding in the motorsport culture. It’s crucial for the sport to deliver on its promises to foster a community that truly embodies diversity. In the fast-paced world of racing, it seems the need for a stronger, more inclusive approach is not just a talking point—it’s a necessity.