Stenhouse fined $75,000 by NASCAR, Busch avoids penalty for All-Star post-race fight

CONCORD, NC – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was fined $75,000 by NASCAR on Wednesday for fighting with Kyle Busch after the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Stenhouse’s father, who joined the fight, was suspended indefinitely.

Busch was not penalized for his action in Sunday night’s race.

The two tangled up on the first lap and then Busch appeared to deliberately wreck Stenhouse on the second lap. Stenhouse parked his damaged Chevrolet at Busch’s pit stop and aggressively climbed the observer’s ladder and exchanged words with members of Busch’s crew.

Stenhouse then broke into his truck, leaving his car to be towed to the pits.

He also foreshadowed that he would be back after the race to face Busch. The two exchanged brief words before Stenhouse, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, landed a right hook on Busch and a melee broke out involving members of both teams. Stenhouse’s father, who has no connection to the team, then went after Busch, throwing punches.

NASCAR on Wednesday also suspended Stenhouse mechanic Clint Myrick for eight races and engine tuner Keith Matthews for four races.

Stenhouse in the fight promised to destroy Busch this Sunday during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“Bring it,” Busch responded. “I suck as much as you,” implying that both drivers aren’t having great seasons.

Neither driver has won a race this season. Busch is 13th in the points standings and Stenhouse, a one-car team, is 26th.

However, the owner of Busch’s car is not taking Stenhouse’s threat lightly. Richard Childress promised to fight Stenhouse personally if he approached Busch’s car at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest Cup Series race on the schedule, so there will be plenty of time for Busch and Stenhouse to meet on the 1.5-mile track. NASCAR will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on rival drivers.

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