Hendrick Motorsports driver and NASCAR superstar Chase Elliott was taken aback when he learned about Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s record-breaking $75,000 fine for punching Kyle Busch after the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Stenhouse Jr., a driver for JTG Daugherty, faced the highest fine in NASCAR history for his actions.
Chase Elliott's reaction when he heard that Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s fine was $75,000. pic.twitter.com/z99Hu5zbEZ
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) May 24, 2024
During a press conference, Hendrick driver Elliott expressed his surprise: “Wow, it is a lot. It’s a lot of money. That seems wild to me. That seems like a lot to me. I mean, you’re going to fine him, but you’re going to promote it? What are we doing?” He further added, “That is a little strange to me. It is the first thought that comes to my mind. It is not okay, but we are gonna blast it all over to get more clicks.”
Elliott’s reaction highlights the balance between enforcing penalties and leveraging controversial incidents for publicity. While he didn’t disagree with the decision to fine Stenhouse Jr., he questioned NASCAR’s approach in sharing the fight video on social media to gain attention.
Hendrick Motorsports Crew Arrives at Indy: Preparing for Kyle Larson’s Indy 500 Debut
The 108th Indianapolis 500 is just around the corner, and all eyes are on Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion. Larson, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports, is set to make his IndyCar Series debut in the prestigious race.
But there’s a twist: On the same day as the Indy 500, Larson will also participate in the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This ambitious endeavor, known as “The Double,” involves racing a total of 1,100 miles across two different series on the same day.
During qualifying, Larson showcased his talent behind the wheel. He secured a spot in the Fast 12, posting an impressive four-lap average speed of 232.56 mph. Starting in fifth position, Larson will drive the No. 17 Hendrickcars.com Chevrolet in the Indy 500. The nerves were palpable for team owner Rick Hendrick, who watched Larson’s qualifying run with bated breath. “I never thought I’d have an entry in the Indy 500 in my life,” Hendrick admitted. “It’s been amazing to see a car qualify in the top five.”
READ MORE: Richard Childress Warns Ricky Stenhouse After Threat to Wreck Kyle Busch at Charlotte
