NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch. Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: NASCAR drivers exchange punches after crash in All-Star Race

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated 5/19/24

There's an old saying in auto racing: "short track, short on tempers." That statement was encapsulated during Sunday's NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

On Lap 2, Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse were racing for position when Busch made contact with Stenhouse, sending the No. 47 car into the wall and out of the race, ending Stenhouse's chance at the $1M prize.

Busch continued on, earning a 10th place finish, while Stenhouse was relegated to last place.

Caution on Lap 2. pic.twitter.com/6hix2jAvcj
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 20, 2024

Stenhouse, clearly frustrated with his fellow driver, waited until the race was over to have a chat with Busch. Though the conversation appeared to be relatively cordial, Stenhouse decided to strike while he had the chance.

PUNCHES THROWN AT NORTH WILKESBORO pic.twitter.com/jLCrcf1noA
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 20, 2024

Both Stenhouse and Busch were dragged backwards by a myriad of PR reps and crew members, which led to an ensuing melee between the crew members of both the No. 8 and No. 47 cars. After a few choice words were exchanged, both drivers were voluntarily dragged further back, so as to not be presented with another chance at a confrontation.

NASCAR has always been a sport where post-race altercations were common, with the most famous example occurring after a last-lap crash in the 1979 Daytona 500. Bobby and Donnie Allison teamed up against fellow driver Cale Yarborough, with announcer Ken Squier famously announcing that "There's a fight between Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison! The tempers, overflowing, they're angry, they know they have lost!"

While Stenhouse and Busch's fight may not have the cultural impact of the Allison-Yarborough scrap, it will certainly forever enshrine the 2024 All-Star Race in NASCAR history.

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