During the high-profile North Wilkesboro All-Star Race, a clash between Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ignited emotions among drivers and fans. In the aftermath, Kyle Larson’s old comment about Stenhouse having the “most punchable face” in NASCAR came back into the spotlight, bringing new attention to their relationship and Stenhouse’s reputation among his peers.
Origins of Larson’s Accusation
Larson’s statement about Ricky Stenhouse Jr. having a “punchable face” did not originate at the recent All-Star Race, but rather dates back to 2018. During an interview on Jeff Gluck’s 12 Questions series, Larson openly admitted he had prepped Stenhouse to expect his name if asked about the most punchable face in NASCAR.
“I was telling Ricky Stenhouse, ‘Ah, there’s a question about who has the most punchable face, so I’m gonna say you,’”
Larson recalled. His response was rooted in a wild night at Knoxville Nationals, characterized by heavy partying and a playful skirmish that got out of hand.
A Night to Remember at Knoxville Nationals
Larson recounted how he and Stenhouse, both heavily intoxicated with friends, found themselves locked in a joking, yet physical, back-and-forth wrestling match. Each landed a few punches, escalating the silliness until Stenhouse managed to come out on top. The memory was fuzzy until the following morning, when Larson realized just how real their brawl had become.
“I was like, ‘Man, my jaw hurts.’ We’re golfing the next morning. I’m like, ‘We were punching each other last night, weren’t we?’”
he said. The lesson was clear for Larson:
“So Ricky’s got the most punchable face in NASCAR.”
Larson’s Respect for Stenhouse’s Tenacity
Despite his jab, Larson maintains a surprising admiration for Stenhouse. In light of last year’s NASCAR fight between Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Larson stated he would pick Stenhouse in a one-on-one brawl. His reasoning went beyond physical appearance, referencing Stenhouse’s consistent refusal to back down and his willingness to keep fighting for any edge on or off the track. Larson even joked that his own face might be just as punchable given their shared history of mischief.
Strong Friendship Despite Rivalry
Both Larson and Stenhouse share deep roots in dirt-racing and have cultivated a friendship that extends off the track, with frequent references to past antics and sportsmanlike competition. While their NASCAR careers have yet to bring them head-to-head in such heated circumstances, the intensity and camaraderie between them continues to capture fans’ attention.
As debates among fans and insiders swirl around Stenhouse’s reputation—spurred by Larson’s comment and his fiery altercations—the story underscores the emotional and sometimes volatile climate in NASCAR’s upper ranks. It remains to be seen whether Larson and Stenhouse will face off directly, but their shared past and mutual respect make for one of the sport’s most intriguing dynamics, especially with the Ricky Stenhouse Jr punchable face narrative gaining momentum in the wider conversation.
