Update: NASCAR informed Jake Crum on Thursday that he is barred from competing in any sanctioned event and cannot acquire a competition license for the remainder of the year.
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Following Saturday night’s incident at Hickory Motor Speedway, Robert Huffman filed charges against Jake Crum, leading to an arrest in Alexander County with extradition to Catawba County. Crum immediately posted bond on simple assault charges and was released.
The charges were based on the incident below:
The incident was a response to a series of events that occurred at the track between Crum’s wife, Annabeth Barnes-Crum, and the track’s reigning champion Landon Huffman, the son of NASCAR veteran and short tracker Robert.
With three laps to go, Barnes-Crum drifted and pinched the younger Huffman against the wall, the track champion responding with a bump-and-run into the next corner. In response, Barnes-Crum attempted to back Huffman to the right, but spun around in the process.
Under caution, Barnes-Crum circled the track and targeted Huffman for retaliation, eventually driving directly into the back of his car and crossing onto the right side. Simultaneously, the Huffmans allege that Crum, who was searching for his wife, “tied a clothesline” to the elder Huffman, who was searching for his son, from behind and began kicking him in the face while he was on the ground.
The elder Huffman was checked and released onto the track with a broken nose and eye injuries with bruises and cuts all over his body. Charges were filed following the weekend before the arrest.
As of press time, neither Hickory Motor Speedway nor NASCAR have publicly commented on the matter. Hickory Motor Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned national track and sanctions could come from Daytona and Charlotte. Short Track Scene has learned that the sanctioning body has met on the matter ahead of possible sanctions. The league says it is working according to its “standard process and protocols.” The website requested to be informed of any decision in the matter.
Per Hickory Motor Speedway rules, Barnes-Crum is subject to fine, disqualification or loss of points or finishing position. However, this is not the first time she has been guilty of this offense, as she previously suffered retaliation while on bail with Chase Dixon.
The rulebook reads:
Hitting or damaging another competitor’s car/truck during pace laps, caution laps or after the end of the race: The 1st offense will result in a fine (depending on severity) and/or disqualification and/or loss of final position and/or loss of points and/or suspension and/or probation. 2nd offense – Minimum fine of $300 (depending on severity) and/or disqualification and/or loss of final position and/or loss of points and/or suspension and/or probation.
As has become something of a tradition whenever Hickory Motor Speedway comes under scrutiny, the track simply deletes comments on Facebook referencing the incident or those asking if a comment came from the track. This was also standard operating procedure in March when it came under scrutiny regarding a discrepancy in the rules regarding tires and the Twin 40 format used by the speedway.
THE The track was ultimately forced to write an addendum to the rules, but also drafted a social media policy aimed at placating criticism of the venue. by competitors.
Huffman also released a series of videos on his YouTube channel detailing his family’s perspective on the incident and assess the damage caused to their car.
