What next after Glass City physical altercation?

The VanMeter crew member that kicked Matt Tifft in the head following the Glass City 200 has apologized amidst the former Cup Series racer contemplating pressing charges.

Tifft was spun by Billy VanMeter early in the ASA STARS National Super Late Model race at Toledo Speedway and was eliminated from contention when Evan Shotko drilled the Anthony Campi Racing car with nowhere to go.

The 28-year-old former Live Fast Racing team co-owner went to the VanMeter pit stall to confront VanMeter, son of Super Late Model veteran Eddie VanMeter, and was tackled to the ground before crew member Bryan Glaze issued a swift kick to the face.

This was the first time Tifft raced on pavement since a brain tumor and subsequent seizure force his premature retirement in 2019.

Tifft, sporting a black eye, posted a video on Monday telling his fans that he was fine but that he wasn’t sure about filing charges against Glaze.

“First of all, I went over there to go confront the driver,” Tifft said. “I wasn’t expecting a fight; that happens, but what’s a chicken shit move really is getting thrown on the ground, and then somebody’s coming up and kicking someone while they’re on the ground. And that’s about as low as it gets.”

He said he declined the opportunity to press charges when asked at the track.

“I don’t think I would press charges for myself,” Tifft added. “But, what I don’t like is that series of Late Model racing, a lot of 13, 14, 15-year-old kids come up through there, and we don’t need somebody like that in the pit lane who is dangerous and obviously something’s wrong with him.

“So I’ve been thinking about it more. We’ll see. Let me know what you guys think I should do, but yeah, well, we’ll see what happens there I will be back in racing the series; I had a lot of fun. It’s fun driving those cars, but the driver who takes out $200,000 worth of equipment and crew guys like that, they got no place in our sport.”

Tifft referenced the Shotko car but also the Chase Burda car that was taken out in a crash with VanMeter later in the race.

Glaze went on to issue an apology on social media later in the afternoon.

“I’m sure by now everyone has saw the video going around I first of all want to apologize to Matt Tifft. I acted in a manner that isn’t acceptable and wish I could change it. I truly and honestly thought he just knocked my little brother Billy out. I reacted outta anger which by any means isn’t acceptable. I can promise you one thing I’m very disappointed in myself and my actions. Billy isn’t just a driver he’s my little brother that I sacrifice all of my free time to make sure I can do my part to grease the wheel. I also want to apologize to Billy, Ed & Donne, Vandoorn Racing, and all of our sponsors.”  

Donnie Wilson, veteran racer and team owner, says Glaze was the one responsible for slashing his hauler tires in the aftermath of the Winchester 400 last October.

The ASA member code of conduct in the series rule book indicates that both Glaze and Tifft will be subject to penalties. Tifft for walking into the pit area and the VanMeter crew members who all engaged in a physical conflict.

Anthony Campi Racing, which fielded the car for Tifft, was all in Victory Lane with primary driver Casey Roderick and was not part of the fracas but is technically supposed to be in control of its driver and may also be subject to fines, suspensions and probation.

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CONDUCT

1. Upon admittance to a restricted area, all participants must conduct themselves in a manner not detrimental to stock car racing. Profanity in front of race fans, officials, management, profane signs or writing on cars, etc., will not be tolerated and may subject the offending party to penalties. Conduct in social media deemed detrimental to the series, track, officials, or sponsors may subject the driver or team to sanctions. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT AND/OR ACTIONS DETRIMENTAL TO THE SPORT OF AUTO RACING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
2. General appearance of drivers and crews must be neat and clean looking.
3. A competitor that stops his or her car on the track to argue or discuss an incident with the starter or other officials may be subject to penalties.
4. Verbal or physical abuse of officials, including improper language or actions will result in sanctions from the track.
5. Fighting will not be tolerated. Drivers will be held responsible for the conduct of all persons connected with their car, this will include, but limited to, Crew Chief, Crew Members, Spotters, Family Members, Sponsors, and Guests. Any person from a crew, including the driver, going to another pit area or an area on the speedway grounds, where an altercation occurs, will be considered involved in the incident. The Driver and any involved crew members may be subject to Penalties, Fines, Loss of Points, Probation, Suspension, and up to Loss of ASA License.
6. Any driver who, in the judgment of series officials, engages in rough driving, deliberately running into, blocking or swerving in front of another car – may be subject to penalties. Any car intentionally blocking the track will subject the owner and driver to immediate and indefinite suspension from the series.
7. Any driver who intentionally causes a caution condition, without safety being an issue, by stopping, spinning, or any other action, is subject to 2-lap penalty.
8. Crew members are not allowed on the racetrack at any time. Pit crew, drivers, or series/track officials are not allowed to service cars on the racing surface without specific permission from race control.
9. No one is allowed in the control tower without permission at any time. You will be subject to severe penalties. Race director will be available at the end of the night.
10. All fines must be Paid in Full for the competitor to return to competition.