In NASCAR, the real danger isn’t always on the track. Sometimes, it’s in Victory Lane.
Just ask Layne Riggs, who managed to dislocate his shoulder not in a wreck—but while celebrating a win. After nine previous dislocations, his 10th came in spectacular fashion while climbing onto his truck roof at The Milwaukee Mile.
Now, after offseason surgery, the 22-year-old is on the mend and gearing up for a stronger 2025 season. But the bizarre injury has fans asking:
🤔 Should NASCAR drivers start toning down their celebrations to avoid these freak accidents?
The ‘Final Straw’—Riggs’ Milwaukee Mishap
Riggs had fought his way to an incredible win in the LiUNA! 175, leading the final 53 laps and holding off Ty Majeski and Christian Eckes. In the heat of the moment, he did what many drivers do—climbed onto his No. 38 Ford F-150 to soak in the moment.
🚨 Cue disaster.
While pumping up the crowd, Riggs suddenly grabbed his shoulder in pain. His Front Row Motorsports crew had to help pop it back into place—right there on the roof!
🗣️ “Number 10 wasn’t hard to do. It was finally time to get it fixed,” Riggs admitted afterward.
Months later, he feels better than ever and is optimistic about his return.
🗣️ “I’ve been doing simulation stuff for a month and a half now, and everything feels good.”
Not the First Celebration Gone Wrong… NASCAR’s History of Victory Injuries
Riggs isn’t the first driver to pay the price for an over-the-top celebration.
🏎️ Austin Dillon (Richmond Raceway, 2016)
🔹 What happened? He aggravated a rib injury from playing basketball after crew member Paul Swan smacked him too hard during celebrations.
🔹 Lesson learned? Maybe post-race celebrations should come with a doctor’s approval.
🏎️ Cole Custer (Kentucky Speedway, 2019)
🔹 What happened? After winning the Alsco 300 in the Xfinity Series, Custer tried to chug two beers on top of his car but lost balance and crashed off the driver’s door.
🔹 Lesson learned? Victory Lane might be safer with seatbelts.
🏎️ Denny Hamlin (Multiple)
🔹 What happened? Hamlin has a habit of jumping off his car roof in celebration. After a 2016 win, he admitted that his knees weren’t handling it well.
🔹 Lesson learned? Maybe age catches up faster than speed.
Should NASCAR Drivers Take It Easy in Victory Lane?
The debate is heating up:
❌ Tone it down:
👉 Avoid unnecessary injuries—winning is hard enough without getting hurt celebrating.
👉 Stay fresh for the next race—a bad fall could derail an entire season.
✅ Keep the energy:
👉 Fans love the crazy celebrations—these moments are part of what makes NASCAR special.
👉 Emotion is raw—why suppress the joy of a hard-fought win?
Final Thoughts: Winning is Hard… But Celebrating Might Be Harder
Layne Riggs’ injury is just the latest reminder that celebrating a NASCAR win might be just as risky as earning it.
For Riggs, the surgery is behind him, and his focus is now on 2025. But after this, maybe NASCAR drivers should consider consulting a trainer before leaping onto their cars—or at least practicing their landings.
Because in NASCAR, you don’t just have to survive the race—you’ve got to survive the celebration too.