Austin Dillon and Cody Ware collided during the New Hampshire Cup race on Sunday, sparking intense frustration from Dillon. With roughly 50 laps remaining, Ware’s contact caused him to crash into the wall, prompting Dillon to lash out at Ware’s driving over the team radio. The incident highlighted the growing tension between the two drivers amid the high-stakes NASCAR Playoffs.
Earlier in the race, the two drivers had already made contact during Stage 1. Dillon, struggling to stay on the lead lap, was involved when Ware spun out on the track. It appeared Ware attempted revenge later in the race, which ultimately led to the crash that forced him into the barriers. The Richard Childress Racing driver did not hold back his criticism afterward, referring to Ware, who races for Rick Ware Racing, in harsh terms while questioning his place in the event.
Details of the New Hampshire Crash and Post-Race Reactions
The clash erupted midway through the race, unsettling both drivers. Dillon’s radio communication captured his frustration in real time.
“What an idiot. What an idiot. Why is he out here?”
said Dillon, revealing his disbelief at Ware’s actions. Despite the collision, Dillon managed to recover and finish 13th after starting 28th, outperforming some competitors, including his teammate Kyle Busch, who ended the race in 30th place.
This race marked a challenging weekend for Dillon and his team. Although eliminated from the Playoffs after the Round of 16, Dillon’s performance showed resilience amid the chaos on the track. The Chevrolet driver fought through multiple obstacles and adjustments during the race to secure a respectable finish. The race also saw a late caution on Lap 154, injecting further unpredictability into the competition.
Austin Dillon Reflects on His Tough Struggles at New Hampshire
Following the race, Dillon admitted the weekend tested him and his team significantly. The Richard Childress Racing car was difficult to manage early on, lacking rear grip and feeling too rigid over bumps. Constant tuning by crew chief Richard Boswell and his team was necessary to improve the car’s handling throughout the event.
“We fought hard for that one. The car was more rigid over the bumps and lacked rear grip at the beginning. We got on the other side of that but then were too tight. (Crew chief Richard) Boswell and the guys kept making adjustments, and we definitely made it better.” Austin Dillion said as quoted by Autogear.pt.
Though Dillon’s early season struggles with his vehicle’s handling were notable, the adjustments made during pit stops helped him enhance his pace. He applauded his crew’s persistence in refining the car despite ongoing difficulties.
Implications for the Remainder of the NASCAR Season
While Dillon’s current position outside the Playoffs limits his title chances, the remaining races provide an opportunity to challenge the frontrunners and stand out. However, Dillon’s ability to climb into Victory Lane largely depends on further improvements from RCR, which has faced a decline in competitiveness within the Cup Series.
The clash with Cody Ware and the resulting crash also underscores rising tensions among drivers competing in the intensely competitive Playoffs environment. With Dillon publicly expressing his dissatisfaction, the dynamic between him and Ware could carry consequences for upcoming events.
Fans will watch closely in the coming rounds to see how Dillon and his team respond under pressure and whether RCR can regain momentum. The incident at New Hampshire remains a focal point as the season progresses, signaling the urgency for better performance and calmer driving amid fierce competition.
Things are about to get interesting.
The caution is back out on Lap 154. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/IcP5Ns5qNQ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 21, 2025
