Concord, North Carolina – NASCAR penalized Ricky Stenhouse Jr. $75,000 on Wednesday for clashing with Kyle Busch following the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Stenhouse’s father, who participated in the fray, was suspended indefinitely.
Busch was not penalized for his actions during the Sunday night race
The two collided on the first lap, and Busch appeared to intentionally destroy Stenhouse on the second lap. Stenhouse put his damaged Chevrolet in Busch’s pit stall, forcefully mounted the spotter’s ladder, and spoke with Busch’s crew members.
Stenhouse then stormed to his carrier, allowing his car to be taken to the pits.
Stenhouse Fined $75,000 By NASCAR, Busch Avoids Penalty For Post All-Star Race Fight
He also hinted that he’d return after the race to confront Busch. The two exchanged brief words before Stenhouse, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, delivered a right hook to Busch, sparking a melee involving members of both teams. Stenhouse’s father, who has no association with the team, then confronted Busch, throwing fists.
On Wednesday, NASCAR banned Stenhouse mechanic Clint Myrick for eight races and engine tuner Keith Matthews for four races.
Stenhouse Fined $75,000 By NASCAR, Busch Avoids Penalty For Post All-Star Race Fight
Stenhouse has pledged to wreck Busch this Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“Bring it,” Busch responded. “I suck as bad as you,” meaning that neither driver is having a fantastic season.
Neither driver has won any races this season. Busch is 13th in the points standings, while Stenhouse, a single-car team, is 26th.
Busch’s vehicle owner isn’t taking Stenhouse’s warning lightly, though. Richard Childress has threatened to fight Stenhouse if he gets near Busch’s car at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Stenhouse Fined $75,000 By NASCAR, Busch Avoids Penalty For Post All-Star Race Fight
The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest Cup Series race of the season, so Busch and Stenhouse will have plenty of time to catch up on the 1.5-mile track. They will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the feuding drivers.
SOURCE – (AP)
