Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch does not have a reputation for being the cleanest race car driver. This was evident from his antics at the non-points All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, when he deliberately took JTG Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr on just the race’s second lap. In response, the driver of the No. 47 car threw a solid punch at Rowdy in a post-race fight.
Kyle Busch certainly has not made many friends in the Cup Series garage, thanks to his racing style. And watching him be on the receiving end of the fight certainly came as a delight to drivers who weren’t able to retaliate against Rowdy for all these years.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr earns the respect of the Cup Series garage
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Seemingly, Kyle Busch has been in the face of many other drivers. We know how he bloodied himself during a similar fight with Joey Logano back in 2017. In recent years, Rowdy has somewhat toned down his aggression and kept himself out of trouble, but he just couldn’t keep his cool during the All-Star race.
In reality, the tension could have diffused had Busch instantly acknowledged his wrongdoings, just like Tyler Reddick did with Chris Buescher just a week ago. But instead he chose to confront and justify his action to Stenhouse Jr. However, it seems, it wasn’t just the JTG driver who felt good about his retaliation against the two-time Cup Series champ. But, several Cup Series drivers were delighted to see Busch on the receiving end too.
Guessing how other Cup drivers would’ve reacted to Stenhouse Jr’s heated confrontation with Rowdy, Corey Lajoie on the Stacking Pennies podcast show shared, “Well, I think there would probably be a line of people that would wish that they had the opportunity to do that or needed a reason. As you walked out of the tunnel, there was some people giving you a head nod and wink.”
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Confirming the hero-like treatment, the JTG driver also chimed in by stating, “Yeah, little wink. A couple of guys giving me a thumbs-up. You know so… It is what it is.” For the time being, it looks like Ricky Stenhouse Jr has come out unscathed from his heated fight with Kyle Busch. However, if NASCAR chooses to intervene in the matter, the 36-year-old could be penalized for his antics.
NASCAR could hand Stenhouse Jr with penalty following his fight with Kyle Busch
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Normally, drivers exit the racetrack or venue after crashing out early in the race. However, no tunnel or extension separates the infield for people to leave at North Wilkesboro. So Stenhouse Jr had no option but to camp inside the infield and confront Busch post-race. Not only the driver but the JTG crew and Stenhouse Jr’s father also got involved in the ruckus, which could have been avoided.
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NASCAR code of conduct rules state that a fine or suspension can be issued for member-to-member confrontation with physical violence. Although NASCAR is expected to show leniency as this incident wasn’t during a points race, it won’t be a surprise to see them hand out fines for both parties involved in the incident. However, Stenhouse’s father could serve a ban period to enter the infield, following his involvement, just like Matt Crafton’s father was benched for two races following the duo’s physical altercation with Nick Sanchez.
One thing is certain, this isn’t the last time we will see Kyle Busch and Stenhouse go at each other this season. Especially now that Rowdy is roughed up, he will be out for blood in the upcoming races. So keep an eye out for fender-bending actions or more brawls during the races, with all the latest updates at EssentiallySports.