Ricky Stenhouse Jr. attributed his NASCAR brawl with Kyle Busch to Busch’s penchant for “running his mouth.” According to Stenhouse, the altercation was sparked by an on-track confrontation where Busch intentionally sent Stenhouse’s Chevrolet crashing into a wall.
After the All-Star Race on Sunday night at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Stenhouse approached Busch. This led to a confrontation between members of their racing teams in the pit area, with post-race fireworks lighting up the sky.
During the Fox Sports broadcast, Stenhouse expressed his frustration with the continuous remarks that are made about him. He mentioned that it stems from the way he consistently speaks his mind.
“He’s definitely frustrated because he can’t run as well as he used to.”
The drivers engaged in a quick disagreement regarding their collision. Stenhouse retaliated by swinging his right arm and landing a punch on the side of Busch’s head. Subsequently, both drivers found themselves on the ground, while their crew members joined in the commotion behind a cluster of haulers.
“I’m exhausted from constantly being taken advantage of,” Busch vented to reporters moments before the altercation. “It seems like that’s the norm here – everyone trying to surpass others by steamrolling right over them.”
During the second lap of the race, Stenhouse made a pass, causing Busch’s car to scrape against the wall on its right side. In response, Busch accelerated and approached Stenhouse’s bumper, using the front of his car to forcefully collide with the rear left fender.
Stenhouse was sent sideways by the sudden move, causing him to collide with the wall. The impact was so forceful that it tore up his hood and brought an abrupt end to his race.
Stenhouse drove his No. 47 Chevrolet straight to Busch’s No. 8 Chevrolet pit box and stepped out of his car. He even climbed the ladder in Busch’s pit box to have a word with his crew before patiently waiting for the race to conclude. Stenhouse was determined to meet his rival one last time and confront him face-to-face.
