Ricky Stenhouse Jr. gave NASCAR fans a rare glimpse into his life beyond racing, as he participated in a frank and humorous conversation for ‘The Phantastic Sports Show.’ In this candid interview, the Hyak Motorsports driver discussed everything from overwhelming speeding tickets to awkward bathroom situations mid-race, also revealing his tongue-in-cheek dream of becoming a country music singer. This Ricky Stenhouse Jr. candid interview personal life racing segment arrived just as the series prepared for their next stop at Pocono Raceway.
The conversation quickly shifted to Stenhouse’s history with speeding, and he didn’t shy away from sharing the details of his checkered driving record.
“The most i’ve gotten in one year was four, but i’ve slowed down since then. I got pulled over 10 times that year,” Stenhouse replied.
He clarified that he refrains from using his NASCAR credentials to avoid tickets, preferring to face any consequences just like ordinary drivers. Humorous topics continued, with Stenhouse describing a challenging moment during a major event when nature called while he was behind the wheel.
“I have twice. Couple weeks ago, man I really needed to go to the bathroom. It was during the Coke 600. I wasn’t sweating enough, I wasn’t super-hot and I had hydrated a lot and it kind of bit me but I couldn’t tell myself to do it,” he said.
Switching gears, the host asked Stenhouse about other careers he would consider if not for racing. His answer was swift and painted a picture of a life he finds appealing outside the track.
“Would be like a country music singer. I feel like they live the life.”
The panel followed up by asking about his vocal talents, prompting Stenhouse to admit the musical gifts in his family may not include him.
“My wife does but me, not so much. She cringes everytime I sing in the car.”
Beyond the laughter and anecdotes, the interview also touched on a significant personal milestone for Stenhouse. Recently, he finalized the sale of his sprawling 140-acre estate in Mooresville, achieving a record-setting price of $12.2 million and nearly tripling his original investment. On the racing front, Stenhouse currently holds the 21st slot in driver standings, amassing 312 points and maintaining an average finish of 19.
Revisiting Clashes: Stenhouse on Feuds with Kyle Busch and Carson Hocevar
The interview didn’t avoid the more intense aspects of Stenhouse’s career, exploring his on-track altercations and personal responses. Reflecting on the notorious All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Stenhouse addressed the clash with Kyle Busch that spiraled into a post-race brawl. When asked about how long it took to move past the conflict, he stated:
“I was over it, you know, after that altercation was done, and we’ve kind of buried the hatchet since then.”
Tensions haven’t remained in the past, however. Stenhouse is now engaged in a fresh feud with rising NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar of Spire Motorsports. During the Mexico City race, Stenhouse was spun out with 10 laps to go after being rear-ended by Hocevar, leading to a heated confrontation after the checkered flag, as emotions ran high and threats were exchanged.
Significance and What Lies Ahead for Stenhouse Jr.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s candid disclosures in this interview highlight both the pressures of NASCAR racing and the intensely personal moments that often go unseen. His willingness to laugh at himself, discuss feuds openly, and share updates on his life off the track reveal a multifaceted competitor facing both high-stakes races and everyday challenges. With the series moving to Pocono Raceway and Stenhouse continuing to sit mid-pack in the standings, fans and fellow drivers alike will be watching to see how he channels both humor and frustration into his next performances, as rumors and rivalries continue to shape the 2024 NASCAR season.
