Ryan Blaney and Carson Hocevar became involved in a physical confrontation after a wreck during the Bristol night race. The incident, which also saw Ty Gibbs throw a water bottle into the scrum, quickly became one of NASCAR’s most widely discussed moments and renewed debate about Hocevar’s aggressive reputation.

Hocevar said it was the first time he had punched anyone and denied intentionally wrecking Blaney, arguing that Blaney may have caused the crash while attempting to block. Blaney’s wife, Gianna Tulio, made controversial social-media accusations about Hocevar, while another NASCAR wife also joined the dispute; the column criticised NASCAR for apparently taking no immediate action.