Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch said his take on the on-track incident that led to a post-race fight with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. had not changed over the course of a week – and was subdued when asked if he agreed with the punishments. as a result transferred to Stenhouse.
Busch spoke briefly Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway after the NASCAR Xfinity Series race, his first public comments since he and Stenhouse wrestled near the haulers at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
On the penalty: “It doesn’t matter if I agree with it or not, NASCAR determines the penalties.”
On the post-race fight: “I walked into the situation and… it was calm to start and it escalated from there.”
About the first incident on the track: I gave extra room, and as I was dragging the gate, he broke my door.
On any lingering implications this weekend for the Coca-Cola 600: “I don’t need a fight with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. I need a fight with the top three guys so I can start winning some races.”
MORE: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Kyle Busch throw punches after All-Star Race
Busch had not spoken publicly to members of the NASCAR media since the North Wilkesboro incident.
To recap: Stenhouse Jr.’s No. 47 JTG Daugherty Chevrolet. only completed two laps in the event before retiring from the race due to damage sustained by a shot into the wall caused by the bumper of Busch’s No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.
The two cars had battled for position the lap before, with Busch losing a spot to Stenhouse before initiating contact on the following lap.
Stenhouse Jr. parked his damaged vehicle in Busch’s pit box and then climbed into the team pit box to chat with crew chief Randall Burnett.
When the race ended, Stenhouse Jr. stood. waiting at carrier No. 8. After an intense personal discussion, Stenhouse Jr. and connected with a punch before the two separated.
NASCAR investigated the incident and fined Stenhouse $75,000 for violating its code of conduct policy.
In addition, team mechanic Clint Myrick was suspended for the next eight Cup Series races (via events at Pocono Raceway on July 14) for his role, and tuner Keith Matthews was suspended for the next four Cup Series events (via Iowa Speedway on June 16) . .
Neither Busch nor anyone on his team was penalized.
