Years After His Infamous Phoenix Fight, Ross Chastain’s Teammate Slams NASCAR “Punchgate” Intervention: “Let Them Go for a Little Bit”

The recent brawl between Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson, now famously known as “Punchgate,” has been at the epicenter of this week’s NASCAR chatter. Just days after the dust-up, Chastain‘s colleague from the Trackhouse Racing Team offered his unique insight into how the conflict between the two could have been better managed.

Delving into his own history, Daniel Suarez reminisced about a similar altercation in Phoenix a few years ago, using his past experiences to lend perspective to the current situation. He also offered some food for thought on how NASCAR should navigate such incidents moving forward, potentially sparking a new dialogue on conflict resolution within the sport.

Ross Chastain’s teammate recalls his infamous Phoenix fight from years ago

Reflecting on his previous infamous fight, Daniel Suarez mentioned, “You know actually a few years ago at Phoenix I felt like I didn’t start the fight. Luckily I was able to finish it, but I didn’t start the fight. So I know most of the time nowadays seems to me that whoever starts the fight, wins the fight. 

“Because they stop the fight after the people get involved, the pit crew gets involved, officials, security. So, I guess if you’re gonna fight you have to start it.”

During the 2019 race at Phoenix, an irate Suarez had decided to confront Michael McDowell about the on-track issue. However, McDowell, not one to back down, gave a preemptive shove as he spotted Suarez approaching.

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What ensued could have easily been mistaken for a wrestling match. Suarez, quick to react, managed a swift takedown on McDowell. The humor of the situation wasn’t lost when McDowell found himself tugging on Suarez’s leg while he was held down by a crew member—a bizarre twist in this NASCAR face-off.

Eventually, cooler heads prevailed and the two were separated. They exchanged words, each airing their grievances before heading their separate ways. The root of the conflict? Suarez was of the view that McDowell had become an unnecessary hurdle in his quest to advance to the second qualifying round.

Suarez argues for more time before interventions in fights like Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson’s

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A key talking point in the recent “punchgate” controversy hinges on the fact that Gragson was denied the opportunity to respond. In the heat of the moment, after Gragson grabbed hold of Chastain’s race suit, he was served a punch to the face by the melon man.

Furthermore, talking about the right thing to do during the Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson’s fight, Suarez said, “I wish NASCAR let him go for a little bit. At least 10 seconds… I mean, why not? I think they should let them go for a little bit…”

“Maybe not as much as hockey. But at least a little bit because they have to get their emotions out. I think that after the fight I don’t think they were very relaxed. So maybe they can go after for 15 seconds. Maybe there will be more, more relief, but that’s just my opinion.”

In light of the recent fisticuffs on the track, Suarez offered his unique perspective on the matter. Sharing candid thoughts that may spark further debate within the racing community. With his words, he challenges the status quo, suggesting a need for a different approach to these high-octane encounters. Although, perhaps not in the same intensity as Kyle Busch’s choice of having Hockey rules.

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