France’s behavior at awards ceremony creates buzz on social media
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| Brian France did not even shake Martin Truex's hand at the NASCAR Awards ceremony. Must have not been the driver France wanted to win |
Fans were buzzing on social media Friday about what they called awkward and rude behavior by NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France at Thursday night's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
In a moment shared via GIF by many fans and reporters on Twitter, France abruptly handed Martin Truex Jr. his NASCAR Cup championship ring before walking off without a handshake.
Remember when I said yesterday that NASCAR executives fail at being authentic?
Well, here’s Brian France proving my point last night at the Cup Awards banquet. What the hell.
Are you KIDDING me?? NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France all but throws the championship ring to @MartinTruex_Jr, and hurries off stage without so much as a handshake. Now, with that said, is it really any wonder why folks have “colorful" things to say about Brian?? #Classless
France also drew criticism for his extremely brief introduction of Dale Earnhardt Jr. for recieving the Bill France Award of Excellence, an award named in honor of France's father, the longtime chairman and CEO of NASCAR. Many felt Earnhardt deserved more of a thank you and goodbye after finishing his career as a full-time driver this season.
Brian France at least shook Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s hand when presenting him with an award named after France’s father.
But he almost sprinted off the damn stage. pic.twitter.com/vmYzkNnWzk
France has always been a polarizing figure for many NASCAR fans, based in part on the multitude of changes he has ushered in since being named chairman and CEO in 2003. Among the changes France has overseen is the introduction of NASCAR's playoffs, stage racing and new car designs.
For those fans who love to criticize France, Thursday was a very good night.
@jeff_gluck @bobpockrass What are your thoughts on Brian France last night? I’m not a fan at all & won’t go there but his antics seemed unprofessional to me by the head man of NASCAR.
#NASCARAwards @Nascar That was the worst #NascarAwards show I've ever watched. And Brian France was so rude. #Nascar should be embarrassed!
