THROWBACK: Drivers Get Into a Fist Fight at Richmond Raceway Post Race

In NASCAR, it is not uncommon to witness red-blooded drivers resort to solving disputes with a bit of fisticuffs. Back in 2014, Marcos Ambrose and Casey Mears had a slight disagreement at the Richmond Raceway.

The situation soon spiraled off to such an extent that fists were flying between the two drivers. Later on, the Australian gave his side of the argument and insisted that it was a bout of “passion” that led to the punch-up.

Of course, the NASCAR officials were not too impressed and slapped both drivers with hefty fines. Ambrose copped a fine of $25,000, while Mears earned a $15,000 fine.

“I was confused about why Casey was so annoyed at me, and I think you just see a lot of the passion that the drivers have and the commitment we have to try to win,” Ambrose said.

“That passion kind of got out of hand and got out of control pretty quick. Once he put his hand on me and started pushing me around. I was just trying to stand up for myself and my country and my family and my reputation.

“I threw a punch down on him to get him out of the way and let him know that I didn’t respect him not giving me my private space.”

Where did Ambrose and Mears finish in the race at Richmond?

The duo finished the race in 18th and 19th place, and fortunately, they worked it out between them. According to Ambrose, they have mutual respect for each other.

While he held no grudge against the American, he acknowledged that emotions were high at that time. Having said that, he insisted that there would not be a repeat of their punch-up.

It also appeared that one of Mears’ crew members confronted the Australian after the punch. However, Marcos Ambrose denied that he got punched. According to Marcos Ambrose, he and Mears talked for at least 90 seconds before words turned into fists.

Apparently, this was the first time that Ambrose was involved in a scuffle. However, he admitted that it proves that drivers are fairly passionate on a few occasions.

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