Ricky Stenhouse Jr. reveals thoughts on confronting Carson Hocevar after Nashville wreck

“It’s a bummer for our team. Felt we executed really, really well at a high level this year to put us into position to point in. To now be out of the race and not get a chance to work on the car, it’s a real bummer,” Ricky Stenhouse Jr. lamented.

When asked if he would have a conversation with Hocevar, Stenhouse was affirmative. “Oh, I will.” Then he was asked if he would do it tonight in person? “No, that costs too much money.”

I don’t think Stenhouse had his fighting shorts with him this week, anyway. It just wouldn’t be right without them.

Looking back at the replay of the wreck, it looks like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. wasn’t exactly clear. But Stenhouse told the media that Hocevar was all over him for multiple laps, “divebombing.”

Eventually, it was one bump too many. A tough way to end the night for Stenhouse Jr., who thought he could have another solid run and pick up more points.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. encouraged by Josh Berry to fight

While Ricky Stenhouse Jr. didn’t hear it, because Josh Berry said it on the radio, he had support from his fellow driver to do whatever he wanted to Carson Hocevar. Of course, he’d have to wait for Hocevar to get done racing tonight to do anything.

“Might finally see the No. 77 get punched after that,” Josh Berry said. The wreck happened early in Stage 2 of the race. Stenhouse was looking to have a strong finish to stay in the race for the playoffs, but the wreck ended his night early.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has that reputation now. There is a lot that goes through a driver’s head after one of these incidents. On the Prime Video pre-race show, Hocevar talked about his aggressive driving reputation. It is something he seems to take pride in, even if it makes his peers madder than Hell.

Stenhouse came into the race 13th in points. If the race were to finish in the current running order on Lap 174, Stenhouse would be 18th in points. He has a chance to drop 5+ places in the points and out of the provisional playoff picture.