Tifft, VanMeters Release Joint Statement, Agree to Move Forward From Toledo Incident

Matt Tifft and the VanMeters have published a joint statement, expressing their desire to move forward from their confrontation following the ASA STARS National Tour Glass City 200 at Toledo Speedway on Saturday, September 14.

The statement reads as follows:

Matt Tifft and the VanMeters have spoken and have mutually agreed to move forward from Saturday night's incident. While the situation was unfortunate both on and off the track, both sides are ready to put it behind them and focus on their respective racing.

Matt has taken full accountability for initiating the confrontation, and the VanMeters have expressed that they do not condone the actions that occurred at the end of the altercation. Bryan Glaze reached out to Matt, and the two sides have had a constructive conversation. Additionally, Billy and Matt also spoke and had a productive discussion. Moving forward, Matt has offered to mentor Billy and help him to learn and reach his full potential on the track.

ASA has appropriately penalized both parties, and we agree it's time to move forward. We appreciate the support from our fans and partners and kindly ask that everyone allow us to handle this matter internally and welcome positive and constructive discussions around this moving forwards, as we all want to turn the page and put this behind us.

Matt Tifft was making his first pavement circle-track appearance since stepping away from NASCAR competition in 2019. However, he was involved in an on-track incident with Billy VanMeter on lap 48, ending his race. VanMeter finished seventh in the race, and currently sits seventh in the ASA STARS National Tour points standings.

Folowing the race, Tifft shared video on social media of him entering the VanMeter pit as a physical altercation broke out, including VanMeter crew member Bryan Glaze kicking Tifft in the face. Later, video submitted to Liberty Racing Review by Eddie and Donna VanMeter showed an alternate angle including the start of the altercation, with Tifft throwing a punch at Billy VanMeter.

As noted in the joint statement, the ASA STARS National Tour issued penalties to both teams involved in the altercation, including points penalties and fines for both teams, as well as placing them on probation for the remainder of the 2024 season. Glaze was suspended indefinitely by the series.

The next race for the ASA STARS National Tour is the 53rd Winchester 400 presented by Vores Welding and Steel on October 11-13. Entry forms are available at starsnationaltour.com for the $20,000-to-win crown jewel event.