Dale Jr. Blasts Zane Smith for Self-Destructive Move at Chicagoland: 'He Crossed a Line'

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't mince words Sunday after Zane Smith's reckless driving at Chicagoland Speedway cost his own team a shot at victory. Speaking on his 'Dale Jr Download' podcast, Earnhardt Jr. called out the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports driver for a move that wrecked both Smith and fellow competitor Carson Hocevar, leaving their teams frustrated and fans scratching their heads.

The incident occurred on lap 32 of 267 when Smith drove into the back of Hocevar in Turn 2, spinning both drivers into the wall. Neither driver was injured, but the crash ended any hope of a strong finish. Smith finished 28th, one lap down, while Hocevar placed 22nd.

What Did Dale Jr. Say About the Crash?

Earnhardt Jr. described the moment with characteristic bluntness. 'Zane Smith goes down in a corner, and he wipes out Carson Hocevar, and he wipes himself out,' he said. 'I'm like,