At Nashville, there was a very public feud between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Carson Hocevar. Early in the run, Hocevar spun Stenhouse into the outside wall, causing the single-car team's first DNF of the 2025 season.
Stenhouse promised payback, but through a series of public and private comments throughout the week, the two drivers smoothed things over. Hocevar even promised to "round the edges off," admitting that his aggressive style can sometimes cross the line.
Well, two weeks later, the feud reignited in a big way as NASCAR took on Mexico City. Hocevar was involved in several incidents throughout the race in a difficult day for the Spire Motorsports drivers. He also caused the final caution of the race after losing control in the final corner and stalling his No. 77 Chevrolet.
Later on, he was running a lap down as he followed Stenhouse into the stadium section. Stenhouse was on the lead lap, running 23rd, but Hocevar entered a little too hot as he battled his car. He ran into the back of Stenhouse, spinning him out yet again. Stenhouse fell to 26th, ultimately dropping down to 27th by the time the checkered flag flew.
Post-race confrontation
The incident and the exchange. pic.twitter.com/nqOjNWYogW
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 15, 2025
After the race, Stenhouse did not hide his frustration, marching over to Hocevar's car and sticking his head in the window to shout at him. In-car cameras caught most of the discussion
"I'm gonna beat your ass," said Stenhouse. "You're a lap down, you got nothing to do, why'd you run right into me?"
Hocevar was apologetic and explained that he locked up in the marbles, but Stenhouse quickly shouted back, "I don't give a damn." Stenhouse again promised to beat Hocevar up once they returned to the states.
Stenhouse was involved in a shocking brawl during the 2024 All-Star Race when he punched Kyle Busch after waiting for him in the garage area. He was fined $75,000 by NASCAR for that altercation.
