Fireworks burst as last night’s All-Star Race ensued under the night sky. An explosion of emotions also accompanied the roaring firecrackers, as two drivers bared their teeth at each other. Kyle Busch’s words were deemed insufficient for spinning the JTG Daugherty driver just two laps after the race started. Hence the latter let his fists fly.
Busch and his RCR crew did not hold back though, as a war unfolded between the two teams. The scuffle ended aggressively, as the strapping RCR people shoved out Ricky Stenhouse Jr’s crew from their pit box. The media captured several angles of the incident, and Stenhouse also gave his view post-fight. But his bullring opponent was too rattled.
Kyle Busch is in isolation mode
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Before Denny Hamlin donned the regal ‘villain’ title of NASCAR, Kyle Busch owned it. Rowdy Busch was known for several exploits on the race track. Back in 2011, he wrecked NASCAR Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday Jr’s hopes for a fifth and final Truck championship. Hornaday’s teammate Kevin Harvick was furious and would have gotten him beaten up if NASCAR officials had not intervened.
However, Kyle Busch could not go scot-free this time. On the second lap, he hit Stenhouse Jr in the rear and sent his car into the second-turn wall. The 2023 Daytona winner told the media that Kyle Busch had a storm coming.
After the race ended, Kyle Busch did talk to the media about his frequent run-ins with drivers. “I mean, it’s the first lap of the race. We don’t even have water temp in the car yet, and we’re wrecking off of (Turn) 2. … I’m tired of getting run over — by everybody. But that’s what everybody does. Everybody runs over everybody to pass everybody.”
Then he confronted Stenhouse and a terrific brawl ensued. The latter landed a solid right hook punch on Busch’s cheek. Tensions flared up instantly between the two teams, simmering down only after a whole lot of shoving. After the storm subsided, the press approached both parties for an interview. Busch declined this request, evidently processing what unfolded after the All-Star Race.
FOX Sports 1 said Kyle Busch declined a post-fight interview. #NASCAR
— Chris Knight (@Knighter01) May 20, 2024
But Stenhouse appeared on camera, referring to Kyle Busch’s rowdy nature. The two had previously locked horns in last year’s Daytona. “I wrecked him one time at Daytona, and he’s been kind of bad-mouthing me ever since then,” the No. 47 driver explained.
However, Busch’s silence got the curious fans whirring with reactions, as the fight was visibly aggressive.
NASCAR community justifies Busch’s media absence
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After the 2024 All-Star Race ended in a gory manner, fans began pointing fingers. Kyle Busch attained the villain status as his mid-race tactics were deemed excessive. However, when the RCR driver declined to comment on the spat, fans tried to understand his point of view.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr is a sturdy driver, and suffering one of his punches must surely hurt. So one fan reasoned that Busch would opt out of speaking with his aching mouth. “His jaw was to sore to speak!” Another fan chimed in, acknowledging the ferocity. “I mean this is hella contact tbf I’d prolly decline an interview too.” Case in point, the video did show Busch land a solid punch on Busch as the latter was moved away from the spot before he could land one back.
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After Stenhouse was spun out of contention, he slipped out of the firesuit. He changed into comfortable boxers, apparently to prepare for the fight according to many. So one fan hilariously assigned that as the reason for Busch’s silence. “I’d be embarrassed too if I got decked by someone wearing those shorts.”
Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fight after the All-Star Race. pic.twitter.com/IJMttBw90W
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) May 20, 2024
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One fan found the altercation bizarre, as Busch appeared non-violent. “He said “ok” to Ricky telling him to watch it, and then Ricky just gave him the right hook lmao.” Another fan poked fun at the lengthy time Kyle Busch had to expect such a bitter brawl. “Busch had 2 business days to see it coming.”
All said and done, it was a pretty rough fight for Rowdy ever since he boxed with Joey Logano in 2017. So Kyle Busch may take some time before he broaches the topic to the press.