Things turned physical between NASCAR drivers Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. after the All-Star Race
The North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina hosted the 2024 NASCAR All-Star Race this weekend (May 17-19). Twenty NASCAR Cup Series drivers battled for victory and the coveted $1 million prize.
The event drew the greatest drivers in the sport, which guaranteed an exciting race, but not all the action took place on the track.
Early on, tensions between Kyle Busch and Rickey Stenhouse Jr. became apparent, as Stenhouse clipped Busch during the opening lap of Sunday night’s race (May 19). Shortly after, in what appeared to be a retaliation, Busch took Stenhouse out two laps into the race.
Stenhouse waited to confront Busch
The North Wilkesboro Speedway has a throwback design and no tunnel to exit the track during a race. This means that any driver who did not finish has to stay and wait until all laps are complete.
After his wreck, Stenhouse told Fox Sports that he felt Busch took out his frustration from the challenging season on him in the collision. He said:
“Then Kyle tried to wreck me in [Turns] 3 and 4 and then finally did wreck me in [Turns] 1 and 2. … He just did a poor job on the start and then was mad about it — I think that’s the way his season has gone.”
After crossing the finish line, Busch reflected on the run-in with Stenhouse
As Busch exited the track and walked back towards his hauler, he explained his frustration with Stenhouse and the incident during the opening lap. He shared:
“First lap of the race, we don’t even have water temp in the car yet and we’re wrecking each other off of [Turn] 2. I am tired of getting run over by everybody. But that’s what everybody does — everybody runs over everybody to pass everybody.”
What Kyle Busch said about the contact with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as he walked to his hauler, where Stenhouse was waiting. pic.twitter.com/BAfXStPOsM
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 20, 2024
When Busch arrived at his hauler, an enraged Stenhosue awaited him
The two disgruntled drivers met face to face, and after exchanging a few heated words, Stenhouse threw a right hook at Busch’s face. Quickly, members from both crews stepped in, resulting in a brief brawl before Busch and Stenhouse were forcefully separated.
Note: The language in the video below may not be suitable for all audiences.
PUNCHES THROWN AT NORTH WILKESBORO 👀 pic.twitter.com/jLCrcf1noA
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 20, 2024
Any penalties incurred from this incident are expected to be revealed later this week. Historically, drivers have been allowed to throw punches, but the crew members who got involved could face consequences.
Joey Logano won the NASCAR All-Star race. Kyle Busch finished in tenth place. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was the only driver who did not finish the race.