On Sunday May 19, 2024, the NASCAR world was shocked to its core following an animated conversation between two drivers. After an argument that was caught on film, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. threw a punch at Kyle Busch. What followed was an all-out brawl.
The shocking video footage has since made the rounds online from different angles. NASCAR on Fox quickly covered the fight and posted the footage. As Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was the instigator in the violence, it leaves the question as to what will become of him now.
What Happened Before the Fight?
Before the violence unfolded at the 2024 All-Star Race, tensions were already brewing between Stenhouse Jr. and Busch on the track. During Lap 2, Busch punted Stenhouse into the wall, causing Stenhouse’s car to collide with the wall head-on. Stenhouse Jr. had no choice but to wait to leave the North Wilkesboro track until the race was over since there was nowhere for spectators to leave the infield during the race.
After the race was over, Stenhouse Jr. approached Busch and camera crews were quick to hit record, as well as fans and other press members with their phones. At first, Stenhouse Jr. seemed to be more or less composes despite his frustration. Busch was not appearing to be in any way aggressive either. This makes the overhand right hook all the more shocking. After the punch, Busch tried to retaliate but was tackled by Stenhouse’s crew, and from here the altercation got a little too muddy to break down, with people flying all over the place resulting in carnage.
When reflecting on the situation after in an interview with Fox, Stenhouse Jr. alluded to the fact that the two have had a problem long before what happened on the track. He said: “I wrecked him one time at Daytona and he’s kind of badmouthed me ever since then.” He then added: “So definitely just built up frustration with how he runs his mouth all the time about myself but I know he’s frustrated because he doesn’t run near as good as he used to and I understand that.”
What Repercussions Will Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Face for His Actions?
After the assault, NASCAR fined Ricky Stenhouse Jr. $75,000, standing as the largest fine ever handed down for fighting in NASCAR history, according to AP News. After the fine was issued, a conversation around the hypocrisy of the matter was quickly buzzing. Concord, N.C. (AP) Chase Elliott threw shade at NASCAR, stating that fining Stenhouse Jr. seemed like “a lot” considering the bad behaviour was then passed around the internet and news broadcasts for clicks. He said: “You are going to fine him, but you are going to promote with it? Like, what are we doing? That’s a little strange to me. … That’s a lot of money to fine a guy. It’s like, ‘It’s not OK, but we are going to blast it all over everything to get more clicks.’”
Fist Fights Are Nothing New at NASCAR
While Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s punch at the 2024 All-Star Race was shocking, it’s nothing new for NASCAR, where tempers have often flared on and off the track. The sport has a long history of drivers getting into scrapes, with many instances of fisticuffs and verbal sparring matches between rivals. Ironically, Kyle Busch, who was on the receiving end of the punch this time, was himself at the center of controversy in 2017 when he viciously attacked iconic driver Joey Logano in the pits after a Las Vegas race.
The incident sparked a heated debate about the limits of acceptable behaviour in the sport, and it’s clear that tensions still run high in the NASCAR community. Despite the surprise and outrage surrounding Stenhouse’s actions, it’s clear that this is just another chapter in the ongoing saga of driver drama and rivalry in the world of stock car racing.
Although prior incidents like this don’t make Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s actions acceptable, it shows that nothing further will likely come of the attack. In the days after the altercation, Busch refused to comment. However, he seems to not be pressing any charges and has now shed some light on the matter. He said: “I don’t need a fight with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. I need a fight with the top three guys so I can start winning some races.” Want to read about more crazy NASCAR moments? Here are 7 of the most dangerous car accidents in NASCAR history.
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