NASCAR fans love a good comeback story. When a driver returns after years away, there’s usually a buzz of excitement. Just look at how fans welcomed Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2017 after he took a break from racing in 2016 to recover from his concussion. Or how stepping away from full-time racing in 2016, Stewart occasionally competed in dirt racing events. With such uproarious support, he continued to thrill fans with his skill and competitive spirit. Even drivers with smaller resumes often get a warm reception when making a surprise return. But it turns out, not every driver is met with open arms.
Sometimes, a return raises more eyebrows than cheers, leaving fans wondering if such a move was even necessary. That’s exactly the case for one driver who, after years away from the NASCAR scene, is stepping back into the spotlight. But instead of excitement, his return has sparked confusion, criticism, and even frustration among fans.
The driver in consideration is Michel Disdier. Disdier began his motorsports career racing motorcycles in Europe, where he won the French Moto-Cross Endurance 125cc Championship at the age of 16. This early triumph laid the groundwork for his transition to car racing, where he competed in various series, including Formula Ford and the French GT Championship. Then, after becoming an exchange student to the United States, Disdier became interested in stock car racing, as he moved to North Carolina – a popular NASCAR state.
Disdier made his NASCAR Truck Series debut in 2014, entering the Camping World Truck Series. Over the years, he participated in several races but struggled to find consistent success. He became the first Frenchman since Claude Ballot-Lena in the late 1970s to compete in NASCAR. His best finish was 16th at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in 2014. After a series of disappointing performances – like the 2014 NextEra Energy Resources 250 in 2014, where Michel Disdier finished 24th, 17 laps behind race winner Kyle Busch – Disdier stepped away from the sport in 2018.
Despite his passion for racing, Disdier has faced criticism throughout his cameo-appearances-filled career. Many fans question his ability to compete at a high level, citing his lack of experience and success in NASCAR. Some believe that his return is unwarranted, especially given the influx of talented young drivers eager for opportunities. But above all lies the issue of his limited impact on the sport; Disdier never built a real fanbase in the U.S. or France, achieving limited success. And now, as Michel Disdier prepares for his Truck Series return, fans are voicing their disappointment loud and clear; from questioning his talent to calling out his lack of success, social media is buzzing with reactions—and they aren’t exactly welcoming.
Not the welcome Michel Disdier would’ve hoped for
Michel Disdier’s return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has sparked a wave of strong reactions from fans. Many are surprised that he secured funding to race again, with one fan exclaiming, “Oh f—, this guy actually got the funding. S—.” Disdier raised over €33,000 through a crowdfunding campaign, which is notable given the challenges many drivers face in securing sponsorship in NASCAR.
Another fan expressed their frustration with Disdier’s past performance, stating, “He was a moving chicane in 2018 at Vegas. Held up Moffitt and cost him the win.” During the 2018 Stratosphere 200 at Las Vegas, Disdier struggled significantly, finishing 24th and slowing down other competitors like Brett Moffitt, who was contending for a better position. This incident has left a lasting impression on fans who remember his lackluster performance – he finished 19th!
Critics have also drawn comparisons to other slow drivers in NASCAR history. One fan remarked, “Like literally. Other than Derrike Cope, I’ve never seen such a slow truck be allowed on the track.” Derrike Cope is often remembered for his struggles during his NASCAR career, particularly his inability to consistently compete at a high level. Despite his shocking win at the 1990 Daytona 500 due to Dale Earnhardt’s tire failure, Cope’s career was marked by underwhelming performances and slow pace compared to other drivers.
Disdier’s return has raised eyebrows not only because of his past but also due to the perception that he hasn’t learned from it. One commenter noted, “I thought he would have gotten the hint that most people didn’t want him back.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among fans about drivers who take long breaks and then return without significant improvements or achievements to justify their presence – especially with amped-up, younger competition on track.
As Michel Disdier prepares for the Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, fan reactions continue to highlight skepticism about his capabilities. With comments like “Cool. Another truck to run 15 mph off the pace,” reiterating his historic lack of raw speed, it’s clear that many fans are not optimistic about his performance. The dampening feelings surrounding Disdier’s comeback raise questions about how drivers can raise fan support after extended absences – especially in a sport with as heavily a fan-driven culture as NASCAR.
The post “Thought He Would Have Gotten the Hint”- Displeased Fans Publicly Tear Into NASCAR’s French Star’s Truck Return appeared first on EssentiallySports.