NASCAR Legend Says Ryan Blaney 'Deserved' Punch From Carson Hocevar

NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart said Ryan Blaney “deserved” the punches he took from Carson Hocevar after an altercation at Bristol Motor Speedway’s Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The fight was linked to contact with 43 laps remaining when Hocevar’s No. 77 and Blaney’s No. 12 collided for second, sending Blaney into the wall. Stewart, speaking on the “Door Bumper Clear” podcast, criticized how Blaney approached Hocevar post-race despite praising Blaney and his family. Blaney later told Denny Hamlin’s “Actions Detrimental” podcast he deserved Hocevar’s reaction. Stewart also defended Hocevar for standing up for himself and is set to return to NASCAR next month for the Truck Series Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega with Kaulig Racing.