NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. expressed frustration following a collision with rookie Carson Hocevar that cut his race short at Nashville Superspeedway. Addressing the incident during a post-race interview, Stenhouse criticized Hocevar’s driving as overly aggressive, which led to the early end of his day.
Stenhouse Jr., driving the #47 Chevrolet for HYAK Motorsports, began the race in 13th position, while Hocevar started 26th. Throughout the race, Stenhouse maintained his place as Hocevar gradually closed in behind him. On lap 106, Hocevar bumped into the left rear of Stenhouse’s car at Turn 3, causing Stenhouse to lose control and end his run prematurely.
After being released from the infield care center, the 37-year-old driver openly criticized Hocevar’s driving style, stating via Matt Weaver on X:
“Not really thrilled with that exit, especially in stage 2 there. He (Hocevar) tried to divebomb me two laps before that from about 10 or 12 car lengths back, and then finally it was close enough that time to wipe us out,” —Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Cup Series driver
“I think it’s definitely overaggressive. If he would’ve got to my inside, I would’ve let him go but he dive bombed me and you can’t just give up spots just to give up spots.” —Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR Cup Series driver
When questioned about whether he planned to discuss the matter with Hocevar, Stenhouse Jr. responded firmly:
“Oh, I will, I will.”
Known for a controversial moment last year involving Kyle Busch, when he punched Busch during an altercation, Stenhouse was asked if he intended to resort to similar measures with Hocevar. He responded with a touch of humor:
“That’s too expensive.”
Currently 13th in the driver standings after 13 races this season, Stenhouse Jr. has achieved two top-10 finishes and maintained solid performances within the top 20, driving for HYAK Motorsports in the competitive NASCAR Cup Series.
Recap of the Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch Clash at North Wilkesboro Speedway
During last year’s All-Star Race, Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch collided on the opening lap, with Stenhouse forcing Busch into the wall. Although Busch sustained only minor damage to his #8 Chevrolet, he retaliated by bumping Stenhouse’s car on the following lap. This contact sent Stenhouse into the wall, prematurely ending his race within two laps.
The tension escalated after the race when Stenhouse confronted Busch on pit road, leading to a heated exchange. Busch was recorded saying,
“Bring it! I don’t give a fu*k. I suck just as bad as you!” —Kyle Busch, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Following that verbal confrontation, Stenhouse punched Busch, sparking a brawl involving Stenhouse and Busch’s crew members. As a result of the altercation, Stenhouse Jr. was fined $75,000 for his conduct at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
The latest incident with Carson Hocevar at Nashville Superspeedway reinforces Stenhouse Jr.’s reputation for not backing down when faced with aggressive on-track challenges. Given his remarks and history, fans can expect Stenhouse to address the matter directly with Hocevar in the near future, highlighting ongoing tensions in this competitive NASCAR season.
