Chase Elliott questions NASCAR over fine of Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Mar 20, 2022; Hampton, Georgia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NASCAR slapped Ricky Stenhouse Jr. with a $75,000 fine — the most in history — for punching Kyle Busch last Sunday night following the All-Star race, but Chase Elliott feels that’s a bit extreme.
More specifically, the veteran driver took issue with NASCAR fining Stenhouse Jr. and then using video of the fight to further promote their product.
We'll call this a … difference of opinion. pic.twitter.com/Tr7GwJhCUO
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 20, 2024
Elliott expressed his frustrations earlier this week ahead of Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“That seems like a lot for that situation,” Elliott said, via ESPN. “You are going to fine him, but you are going to promote with it? Like, what are we doing? That’s a little strange to me. … That’s a lot of money to fine a guy. It’s like, ‘It’s not OK, but we are going to blast it all over everything to get more clicks.'”
In addition to fining Stenhouse, NASCAR also indefinitely suspended his father, Ricky Sr., who was involved in the melee despite his lack of affiliation with JTG Daugherty Racing. Mechanic Clint Myrick and engine tuner Keith Matthews were also suspended eight and four races, respectively.
Elliott, Stenhouse Jr., and Busch are all scheduled to be a part of Sunday’s field.
