Bob Gardner Sparks Outrage After Dangerous Dirt Racing On-Track Retaliation
The American dirt racing community is reeling after a terrifying incident at Farmer City Raceway saw driver Bob Gardner deliberately crash into a competitor multiple times, sparking demands for a lifetime ban or even criminal charges.
It all began during a MARS Late Model event when Daryn Klein attempted a risky pass on Gardner. The move backfired, resulting in contact that sent Gardner into fellow racer Dylan Thornton. But instead of accepting the accident as part of racing, Gardner responded with fury.
Under caution, Gardner turned around and drove directly into oncoming traffic—a potentially fatal decision avoided only by race officials quickly waving the yellow flag. But the chaos didn’t end there.
Fans Call for Severe Consequences
After stopping briefly on track, Gardner reentered the race, cutting across the infield and slamming into Klein multiple times. One of those hits caused Klein’s car to flip onto its roof. Thankfully, the low-speed caution conditions prevented injuries, but fans and drivers were furious.
Social media exploded with demands that Bob Gardner be banned for life or even face jail time. “If any driver uses the car as a weapon, they should be banned,” one user wrote. Another added, “Should literally be arrested for that.”
Gardner later posted a YouTube apology, admitting what he did was “wrong” and “out of character.” He claimed he only intended to flatten Klein’s left rear tire for “a little payback” but lost control of his emotions.
“I’ll suffer the consequences, whatever they may be,” Gardner said, while insisting that online hate wouldn’t sway his core supporters.
Despite the apology, many fans remained unconvinced. “Stop making excuses and just own up to losing your mind,” one wrote. Others demanded Gardner pay damages and leave the sport for good.
As of now, MARS Late Model officials have not announced any formal penalties, but the backlash suggests severe consequences are imminent.
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