NASCAR Team Hyak Motorsports Quietly Benches Spotter Tab Boyd After Mexico City Controversy…..
NASCAR team Hyak Motorsports has quietly removed spotter Tab Boyd from his duties with driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for this weekend’s Pocono race. Instead, veteran spotter Clayton Hughes (formerly with Martin Truex Jr.) is now listed in Boyd’s spot .
During last weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Boyd posted a now-deleted message on X claiming he was “hustled” and that money was taken from him within five minutes of leaving his hotel in Mexico
> “I’m ready to go home, screw this place… can’t even walk out the front door of the hotel without getting hustled…”
Though Hyak hasn’t issued an official statement, his absence from the team’s official roster indicates he’s benched.
Former driver & podcast host Corey LaJoie indirectly criticized such tweets, suggesting public airing of issues like street hustling isn’t constructive and potentially undermines the sport’s image .
The story also mirrors a similar scandal involving driver Carson Hocevar, who was fined $50,000 after calling Mexico City a “shithole” — he later apologized .
Mexico City has seen logistical and security challenges for the NASCAR tour—including charter flight issues and guidance for personnel to take extra security precautions .
Some industry insiders argue that such hustling risks are common globally and caution against making sweeping negative judgments. One NASCAR insider pointed out that crews were advised to stay in buddy pairs and avoid wandering alone .
Tab Boyd has been removed from his role this week following his public criticism of Mexico City’s safety—though it’s unclear if this is permanent. Clayton Hughes will assume spotter duties for the No. 47 at Pocono. The incident highlights NASCAR’s sensitivity to side comments that may affect the sport’s reputation.
