20 Times NASCAR Drivers Got into Fights—On or Off the Track
NASCAR drivers are known for their fierce competition, but sometimes their rivalries boil over into physical confrontations.
- Chris Graciano
- 6 min read
In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, emotions may run high. This results in memorable and unexpected battles. From heated moments in the pit to paddock brawls, drivers haven’t always remained composed. Here are 20 instances NASCAR drivers battled, both on and off the track.
1. Cale Yarborough vs. Donnie Allison (1979 Daytona 500)
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The infamous brawl between Cale Yarborough and Donnie Allison at the 1979 Daytona 500 became one of NASCAR’s most iconic moments. After a wreck on the final lap, the two drivers exchanged punches in the infield while their cars lay in ruins.
2. Jeff Gordon vs. Clint Bowyer (2012 Phoenix International Raceway)
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After an on-track incident at Phoenix, Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer’s feud reached a boiling point. Frustrated over Bowyer’s aggressive driving, Gordon took matters into his own hands and intentionally spun Bowyer out.
3. Kurt Busch vs. Jimmy Spencer (2003 Michigan International Speedway)
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Kurt Busch and Jimmy Spencer’s rivalry took a violent turn in 2003 after a race at Michigan. Spencer confronted Busch in the garage and punched the younger driver, claiming Busch had caused an incident earlier in the race.
4. Tony Stewart vs. Matt Kenseth (2013 Bristol Motor Speedway)
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Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth had a heated exchange after an incident in Bristol in 2013. Stewart was furious over Kenseth’s rough driving, which he believed led to a wreck.
5. Kyle Busch vs. Brad Keselowski (2014 Auto Club Speedway)
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Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski have had several run-ins, but their clash at Auto Club Speedway in 2014 was among the most memorable. After Busch got upset over Keselowski’s driving, he retaliated by bumping Keselowski on the track.
6. Bubba Wallace vs. Kyle Larson (2021 Las Vegas Motor Speedway)
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After an on-track incident during the 2021 Las Vegas race, Bubba Wallace confronted Kyle Larson. Wallace accused Larson of causing the wreck, and the two exchanged words and shoves.
7. Dale Earnhardt Sr. vs. Darrell Waltrip (1989 Bristol)
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Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Darrell Waltrip’s feud peaked during a 1989 race at Bristol. After a contentious on-track incident, Earnhardt, known for his aggressive style, confronted Waltrip in the pits.
8. Jeff Gordon vs. Rusty Wallace (1999 Martinsville Speedway)
William M. Plate Jr., USAF CIV. on Wikimedia Commons
During the 1999 Martinsville race, Jeff Gordon and Rusty Wallace got into a heated argument after a controversial on-track incident. Wallace felt that Gordon had blocked him, leading to a post-race confrontation in the garage area.
9. Bobby Allison vs. Donnie Allison (1972 Talladega)
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Bobby and Donnie Allison, brothers, famously got into a fight after an incident during the 1972 Talladega race. Bobby was upset after Donnie made an aggressive move on the track, leading to a heated exchange between the siblings.
10. Kevin Harvick vs. Kyle Busch (2011 Richmond International Raceway)
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Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch’s rivalry reached a boiling point in 2011 at Richmond. After a wreck, Harvick was furious with Busch’s actions on the track and confronted him afterward.
11. Joey Logano vs. Denny Hamlin (2013 Phoenix International Raceway)
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Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin’s feud took a physical turn after the 2013 Phoenix race. Hamlin blamed Logano for a wreck, and the two drivers argued in the garage afterward.
12. Carl Edwards vs. Brad Keselowski (2010 Atlanta Motor Speedway)
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Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski were involved in an on-track incident during the 2010 Atlanta race that escalated into a fight. After Keselowski’s aggressive driving led to a wreck, Edwards confronted him on the track.
13. Tony Stewart vs. Carl Edwards (2014 Richmond)
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Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards clashed during the 2014 race at Richmond after a series of on-track incidents. Stewart was frustrated by Edwards’ aggressive moves, leading to a post-race confrontation.
14. Kurt Busch vs. Brad Keselowski (2012 Dover International Speedway)
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Kurt Busch and Brad Keselowski’s rivalry was marked by a physical fight after the 2012 race at Dover. Busch was upset with Keselowski’s aggressive driving style, which led to an altercation in the pits.
15. Jeff Gordon vs. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2002 New Hampshire International Speedway)
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A rare confrontation occurred between Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. after the 2002 New Hampshire race. Gordon was unhappy with Earnhardt Jr.’s driving, leading to an exchange of words on pit road.
16. Kasey Kahne vs. Brad Keselowski (2010 Talladega Superspeedway)
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Kasey Kahne and Brad Keselowski had a major falling out after the 2010 Talladega race. Kahne blamed Keselowski for wrecking him, and the two exchanged harsh words and pushed each other into the pits.
17. Matt Kenseth vs. Joey Logano (2015 Kansas Speedway)
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Matt Kenseth and Joey Logano’s fight after the 2015 race at Kansas became one of the sport’s most memorable altercations. Kenseth was upset over an incident with Logano earlier in the season, and the tension reached a boiling point in the garage.
18. Kyle Busch vs. Ron Hornaday Jr. (2011 Texas Motor Speedway)
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Kyle Busch’s altercation with Ron Hornaday Jr. in 2011 during a Truck Series race in Texas led to a major suspension for Busch. After bumping Hornaday into the wall, Busch was confronted by the veteran driver.
19. Rusty Wallace vs. Dale Earnhardt Sr. (1993 Phoenix International Raceway)
William M. Plate Jr., USAF CIV. on WIkimedia Commons
Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt Sr. had a confrontation after a race at Phoenix in 1993 when Earnhardt was unhappy with Wallace’s driving. Wallace bumped Earnhardt out of the way, leading to a furious exchange of words.
20. Ned Jarrett vs. Junior Johnson (1965)
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Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson, two NASCAR legends, got into a physical fight in 1965 after a race at North Wilkesboro. Johnson was upset about a controversial incident involving the two, leading to a heated argument that turned physical.