NASCAR Cup Series driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. expressed strong frustration after an on-track collision with rookie Carson Hocevar cut his race short at Nashville Superspeedway. The incident happened during the Cracker Barrel 400, where Stenhouse, driving the #47 Chevrolet for HYAK Motorsports, said Hocevar’s aggressive driving led to their clash.
Starting 13th, Stenhouse maintained position as Hocevar, who began 26th, started closing in. On lap 106, Hocevar bumped the left rear of Stenhouse’s car at Turn 3, causing Stenhouse to lose control and end his day prematurely. After being treated at the infield care center, Stenhouse shared his candid thoughts on the incident through an interview with Matt Weaver on X.
Stenhouse Calls Hocevar’s Moves ‘Overaggressive’ and Promises Confrontation
Stenhouse criticized Hocevar’s timing and approach, accusing the rookie of reckless driving early in the race. He said,
“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,”
“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.”
When asked if he would speak to Hocevar after the race, Stenhouse was firm:
“Oh, I will, I will.”
Regarding whether he might react physically given his history, Stenhouse quipped,
“That’s too expensive.”
Background: Stenhouse and Busch Clash at North Wilkesboro Speedway
The tension between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and aggressive driving incidents is not new. Last year, during the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Stenhouse forcefully collided with Kyle Busch on the opening lap, resulting in damage to Busch’s #8 Chevrolet. Busch responded by bumping Stenhouse’s car, sending him into the wall and ending his race within two laps.
After the race, emotions boiled over when Stenhouse confronted Busch on pit road, during which Busch was recorded saying,
“Bring it! I don’t give a fu*k. I suck just as bad as you!”
The altercation escalated as Stenhouse punched Busch, sparking a brawl involving crews, leading NASCAR to fine Stenhouse $75,000 for his conduct during the event.
Stenhouse’s Season Performance and Upcoming Prospects
Following 13 races in the 2024 season, Stenhouse stands 13th in the Cup Series driver standings. Besides two top-10 finishes, he has demonstrated consistent performance, remaining competitive within the top 20. The Nashville incident, however, will be a challenging moment as he looks to rebound.
The Cracker Barrel 400 continues at Nashville Superspeedway, with live coverage streaming on Prime Video, promising more intense racing and further developments for drivers like Stenhouse and Hocevar.