NASCAR insider reveals expected punishments from Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fight with Kyle Busch

In the aftermath of Sunday night’s Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch fight, NASCAR could turn around and hand out penalties. But is that going to be the case here?

NASCAR has allowed drivers to fight amongst themselves and let it go. Ross Chastain and Noah Gragson last year at Kansas is a good example of that. However, there are times when they get involved and hand out punishments.

The Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fight could be one of those instances. Let’s remember that Stenhouse had two hours to sit and cool off, but still insisted on confronting Busch verbally and physically at the haulers.

Matt Crafton did something similar to Nick Sanchez last year after the Truck Series race at Talladega. Crafton received a fine for that. Let’s also remember that Ricky Stenhouse Sr. got into it with Kyle Busch as well. That’s a big no-no.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports has been around NASCAR for years. In his opinion, Stenhouse Jr. could see a similar fine to what Crafton received last year. Also, Stenhouse’s dad will probably receive a suspension for his actions as well.

Crafton-Sanchez most recent precedent. Would expect Stenhouse’s dad is facing suspension. NASCAR fined Crafton $25K since he had time to cool down so would expect a fine possible to StenhouseJr. under same philosophy. Anything else tbd if any crew members threw punch. https://t.co/ieCiIRMMjv

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 20, 2024

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. after the fight also yelled that he was going to wreck Kyle Busch at Charlotte. That is a heat-of-the-moment kind of thing that is said right after a fight. NASCAR likely won’t do anything in response to that specific moment.

Doubtful. Suspensions typically come only with an egregious and dangerous (my terms) retaliatory move on the track. https://t.co/t2a7Wb7pKp

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 20, 2024

Now, NASCAR can always do what they want, more or less. So, the penalties, fines, or punishments might look a little different in the end. Each situation is unique and NASCAR has a range of options at its disposal.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. steals All-Star show with fight

It is unfortunate that the one time Joey Logano and his team have a complete weekend and dominate a race, it’s overlooked. Logano has been looking for race speed all season long. The one night he has it, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. decides to fight and steal the headlines.

Is NASCAR the only sport where winning $1,000,000 can be overshadowed by a 15-second brawl? Possibly. The thing is, Stenhouse Jr. told everyone what he was going to do and when he was going to do it. He didn’t hide his intentions at all.

Stenhouse told Busch’s crew chief he would wait for him. Then he told FOX on the air that Richard Childress might have to hold his watch. After that he went to the media center and told everyone once again he would wait for Busch and we would all have to wait to see what he would do.

Finally, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. went in there and started the fight. You can’t say he didn’t warn him, his team, the media, NASCAR, and everyone watching on the national TV broadcast. Still, he could face punishment from the governing body because of the premeditation of it all.