Ricky Stenhouse Jr. remains a controversial figure at Bowman Gray Stadium following his clash with local favorite Burt Myers during last year’s intense competition. Despite ongoing tension, Stenhouse was seen shoveling snow off the grandstands as weather delayed the 2026 Clash event. His unexpected assistance drew attention from fans and commentators alike, highlighting the persistent rivalry at the famed Winston-Salem short track.
Social Media Reacts to Stenhouse’s Unexpected Role
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports shared a lighthearted comment on social media regarding Stenhouse’s snow-clearing efforts.
“Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is here, too, helping with grandstand efforts. We joked he is clearing grandstands for Burt Myers fans who will flip him off lol.”
— Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports
This remark underscored the ongoing animosity between Stenhouse and Myers supporters, recalling the heated emotions that still surround their rivalry.
Background of the Rivalry: The 2025 Last Chance Qualifier Incident
The tension dates back to an incident in the 2025 Last Chance Qualifier at Bowman Gray Stadium. As the race concluded, contact between Stenhouse and Myers caused Myers’ No. 50 car to crash violently into the wall, ending his race in a smoke-filled wreck. The crowd at the “Madhouse” erupted with boos and hostile gestures toward Stenhouse, making it clear that many local fans blamed him for spoiling their favorite driver’s night.
Burt Myers’ Response to the Crash
Despite his frustration, Myers addressed the incident calmly during an interview with FOX Sports’ Jamie Little. He said,
“We didn’t have the car we thought we needed at the end. We were picking them off one at a time. I got shoved into the 47 and pushed him out. When I got under him, I don’t know if he was upset about that or what. But we ended up hitting the wall. I’ll have to watch the replay. But I do know it was an orange car that ran into me.”
— Burt Myers, Bowman Gray Racer
Myers also conceded that his car might not have had the pace to qualify for the 200-lap Clash regardless, but the crash effectively ended his chance to compete, fueling fan anger even more.
The 2026 Clash Postponed and the Heated Atmosphere Returns
Snow forced the postponement of the 2026 Clash at Bowman Gray, with the race rescheduled to the following Wednesday. Stenhouse’s presence at the track, combined with his snow removal efforts, sets the stage for another intense encounter. Fans’ reactions to Stenhouse will likely be boisterous, reflecting the unresolved emotions from last year’s dramatic events. This showdown promises to keep the legendary track’s reputation for fierce competition and passionate fans.
Enduring Impact of the Stenhouse-Myers Rivalry at Bowman Gray
This ongoing dispute between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Burt Myers highlights the deep loyalties and competitive spirit that define Bowman Gray Stadium. While Stenhouse’s gesture of helping clear snow shows a willingness to engage off the track, it does not erase the rivalry’s history. The incident and fan reactions demonstrate how local short-track racing rivalries remain fierce and personal, continuing to captivate the racing community across seasons.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is here, too, helping with grandstand efforts. We joked he is clearing grandstands for Burt Myers fans who will flip him off lol. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/u5ExDnANZT
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 2, 2026
