NASCAR Suspends 7 After Martinsville Hot Dog Stand Brawl Involving Corey Heim

Photo via NASCAR.com

NASCAR dropped the hammer after a post-race brawl at Martinsville Speedway broke out next to the track's famous hot dog stand. Seven people were penalized, including a team owner who was suspended indefinitely and fined $2,000.

What Started the Fight

The trouble began during the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 on September 26, one of the biggest Late Model Stock Car races of the year. Corey Heim and Treyten Lapcevich were battling for the runner-up spot behind winner Caden Kvapil when they collided on the cool-down lap in Turn 1 — Heim's No. 22 went airborne over the front of Lapcevich's No. 77, destroying both race cars. Heim did not hold back afterward, saying Lapcevich "pinned me onto the curb for some reason and just kept turning left" and "tried to destroy my car under cool-down laps and succeeded."

The Hot Dog Stand Brawl

After post-race interviews, Heim was walking from pit road toward his hauler when several members of Chad Bryant Racing — Lapcevich's team — confronted him next to the iconic Martinsville hot dog stand in the infield. Punches were thrown at the driver; one punch missed and hit the hot dog menu board. Heim dodged most of the blows and never threw one back. Video of the brawl went viral. Afterward, Heim posted a selfie giving a thumbs-up with the caption: "Solid effort, but at least make it count next time."

Watch a full breakdown of the brawl in the video below:

NASCAR's Punishments

On September 29, NASCAR announced penalties for seven people connected to the race weekend:

• Team owner Chad Bryant: indefinite suspension, $2,000 fine, banned from the 2027 ValleyStar Credit Union 300, one year of probation, and required NASCAR-approved anger management training.
• Crew member Steven Civitarese: indefinite suspension, $1,000 fine, banned from the 2027 race, and one year of probation.
• Ryden Lapcevich (Treyten's brother): $500 fine and probation through December 31, 2027.
• Dylan Jenks and Brad Housewright: $500 fines each and probation through December 31, 2027 — for a separate brawl in the garage area after a heat race.
• Chase Burrow and Ryan Burrow: $250 fines each and probation through December 31, 2027 — for the same separate garage brawl.

Denny Hamlin Demanded Action

Heim's boss — 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin, whose team Heim joins full-time in the Cup Series in 2027 — had demanded at least a year-long suspension, calling the attack "complete classlessness" and saying the crew "waited on Corey Heim to leave his car and leave his team and then jump him while he was on the way to his hauler." Lapcevich later condemned the incident on X. Heim, the reigning Truck Series champion who won two Cup Series races in part-time action this summer, walked away from the whole mess with a thumbs-up selfie.

Video: Brawl at the Wavepool at Knott's Soak City on July 4th Weekend

A brawl was caught on video on July 4 at Knott's Soak City, reported by ABC7 News on Facebook. 

Image at Knott's Soak City on July 4, 2025

Brawl Seen on Video at Knott's Soak City in Los Angeles on July 4

According to ABC7 News, one man told the police that he was "assaulted" as he tried to get his kids out of the pool." By the time the police arrived, the fight (which can be seen in the video below) had already ended.

Knott's Soak City is part of Knott's Berry Farm, a theme park located in Los Angeles, California, however, Knott's Soak City Waterpark is a separately gated 15-acre water adventure park immediately adjacent to Knott's Berry Farm. 

The website says (with grammatical errors):

"Soak City boasts 23 speed, tube and bodyslides including Shore Break featuring 6 different waterslide experiences and a thrilling family raft ride, The Wedge: the 750,000-gallon Tidal Wave Bay wavepool; a one-third-mile Sunset River; and the three-story Beach House, featuring 200 water guns, nozzles, sprayers and other interactive surprises. Soak City is open mid-May through early-September. Separate admission required."

Watch: Knott's Soak City Brawl Video Posted by ABC7

The video posted by ABC7 News on Facebook can be seen below.

Source: ABC7 News on Facebook

Brawling is a Violation of Knott's Soak City Rules

The following rules are posted on the official website for Knott's Soak City website (with grammatical errors):

"To ensure the safest experience for all Guests during their visit, the following rules are in effect. We appreciate your cooperation in this regard. 

• Attractions may have specific height, weight, and safety requirements. Please refer to the Safety Guide sign posted at each attraction to make an informed decision as to whether the attraction is right for you. 
• Please refrain from running, horseplay, and other boisterous activities. 
• Glassware and similar material with a tendency to shatter on impact are not permitted in Knott’s Soak City. 
• For safety reasons, diving is not permitted at any attraction. 
• Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City are smoke-free environments. 
• Keep an eye on your young children. Children should not be left unattended at any time. 
• Please secure all loose articles, including hats, glasses, and jewelry when riding. Cameras, cell phones and video recording devices may not be used on any slide or in any changing area or restroom. 
• Water toys, inflatable assists brought from home, and whistles are not permitted in Knott’s Soak City. 
• Masks and snorkels are not permitted on any water attraction. 
• Hearing devices or any other electronic devices may be damaged by water. Please take the necessary steps to protect such items. 
• According to crowd size, time at the water attractions and access to Knott’s Soak City may be limited. 
• Items that are not permitted inside Knott’s Soak City include: Large coolers exceeding 12”X10”, food, most beverages, all alcoholic beverages, glass, pop up shade structures, play pens, and tents (any pop-up structure other than an umbrella with one pole). Water, juice and sports drinks are permitted.
• Other items not permitted include water face masks (with a nose covering), snorkels, swim fins, water toys, and personal tubes (floaties). Coast Guard approved lifejackets are permitted.
• Additionally, whistles, personal radios/speakers, and megaphones are not permitted.
• Lounge chairs are on a first come first serve basis. Lounge chairs must remain in designated areas (not on the grass).
• Knott’s Soak City cannot be held responsible for damages, lost or stolen items (such as cell phones/shoes). Leave personal items in a locker, or with a member of your party."

Source: Knott's Soak City Rules under Waterpark Information

What would you do if you were at a theme park and a fight broke out?