NASCAR might have a couple of years under its belt compared to Formula 1, but when it comes to popularity, F1 is running laps around it. This might explain why the names in NASCAR aren’t household words for many. However, things got a bit heated recently in the NASCAR world. Brett Griffin, a known figure in the NASCAR circle and part of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s team, ruffled some feathers when he came off a bit too sharp with U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders.

Fans were up in arms when Griffin’s less-than-polite remark to Senator Sanders made the rounds. The fuss kicked up a notch after RaceDayCT spotlighted the comment on a screenshot. It was all in response to Sanders’ touching homage to Ken Squier, a broadcasting legend in the racing world. Griffin’s attempt to needle the senator over his NASCAR knowledge on such a tribute post definitely hit a nerve and has stirred the pot in the racing community.

Did Brett Griffin just offend a US Senator with a comment on his tribute post for Ken Squier?

Vermont Senator Bernard Sanders shared a tweet paying tribute to a Vermont broadcasting legend, the first journalist to enter the Hall of Fame. Sanders’ post was gathering shares and sympathies until Brett Griffin decided to throw it under the bus. Griffin quipped,  “Didn’t knew you knew what NASCAR is…. Prob shoulda endorsed it before 80.” The remark caught the attention of RaceDayCT, a race coverage agency, which didn’t waste any time capturing a screenshot and sharing it on Twitter.

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Their caption didn’t pull any punches, as he wrote, “Ever wonder why so many people still globally generalize anyone affiliated in any way to the word “NASCAR” as uneducated, classless, illiterate, ignorant fools? Well, this response to Bernie Sanders memorializing Ken Squier illustrates the reason why people think that way.” They clearly didn’t mince words in calling out what they saw as a classless act by someone from the NASCAR community.

Furthermore, the comment didn’t just ruffle feathers in the NASCAR world; it also drew a mix of pity and scorn towards Griffin, the NASCAR spotter. It seems his attempt at sarcasm backfired, showing that sometimes words can indeed make or break the reputation of a community.

NASCAR Fans get enraged after reading Brett Griffin’s harsh comment

As soon as RaceDayCT publicized Brett Griffin’s comment on Bernie Sanders’ tribute post, Twitter lit up with fans expressing their dismay at Griffin’s insensitivity. The reactions ranged from disappointment to outright anger.

One fan lamented how Griffin’s comment spoiled the mood, saying, “Oh look, a beautiful tribute to a great man and @spotterbrett ruins it. 🙄”

Others criticized him for the negative light he cast on the sport: “It’s a shame people like Brett Griffin represent the sport.” A fan expressed frustration at Griffin’s recent behavior, commenting, “Brett Griffin or rather Spooter Bert has really become a unbearable person in recent years.” While a fan simply called it “Disrespectful😢.”

One NASCAR enthusiast pointed out that Griffin is infamous for such remarks: “Well, that’s Brett Griffin, says shit like that all the damn time.”

Read More: United States Senator Bernie Sanders Joins NASCAR World in Mourning As He Pens Emotional Tribute to Ken Squier

Echoing this sentiment, another fan called him the “Typical Brett BS. The biggest narcissist in the sport.” An exasperated fan summed up their view of Griffin with a cutting slogan: “”uneducated, classless, illiterate, ignorant fools” That’s @SpotterBrett to a tee.”

So, what do you think? Was Griffin’s comment a case of blunt truth at the wrong time and place, or just a thoughtless jibe?