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Spire Motorsports Boss Jeff Dickerson Reacts To Ryan Blaney Confronting Carson Hocevar: “That’s A Bit Out Of Character For Ryan”

September 20, 2026  ·
  John Trent

Spire Motorsports boss Jeff Dickerson shared that he was surprised that Ryan Blaney confronted Carson Hocevar on pit road after Hocevar wrecked him with less than 50 laps left in the race.

Hocevar and Blaney were battling for second place as the laps were winding down at Bristol Motor Speedway. Blaney was able to get around Hocevar and get the second place position. As he went to secure the position, Hocevar attempted a crossover and got into the rear of Blaney and sent him spinning into the inside wall.

Following the conclusion of the race, Blaney confronted Hocevar on pit road. He approached Hocevar, shared some words with him, gave him a shove, and grabbed him. Hocevar responded with two right punches before his crew members drug Blaney off and pushed him to the ground.

Blaney then was able to get back to Hocevar and gave him a left jab to the face.

Dickerson spoke with Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass following the race and shared that he was surprised at Blaney’s response to the wreck.

“I actually am because it’s like he threw the block. Fedewa was saying, ‘Inside. Inside. Inside.’ I mean he knows. That’s a bit out of character for Ryan. I don’t know what to say. It’s a shame he walked all the way over there and Carson caught him good with about two or three straight rights.”

When asked if Hocevar should be penalized by NASCAR for fighting, Dickerson replied, “For what? We’re just surprised he can fight. What do you mean? What’s he going to get penalized for? By who? I thought the drivers could fight. They can’t get penalized. Look at this [crap].”

Dickerson then reiterated his surprised at Blaney’s reaction, “I didn’t know we were going to have to defend anything. I was kind of surprised that Ryan—. Because we were listening to it and Fedewa saying, ‘Inside.’ Whatever. I mean it’s Bristol, hard racing. I don’t know.”

“I don’t want to see Blaney mad. I love him, but it’s just Bristol,” he concluded.

In regards to a penalty, it is unclear what NASCAR will do. The sanctioning body is notorious for being inconsistent with its rulings. The series previously issued a $75,000 fine to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. for throwing the first punch against Kyle Busch during the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro in 2024.

However, in 2023 when Noah Gragson confronted Ross Chastain, the series did not issue any fines or suspensions. Similar to Blaney and Hocevar, Gragson approached Chastain on pit road. The two had some brief words before Gragson grabbed him. Chastain then threw the first punch and the fight was quickly broken up.

NEXT: Carson Hocevar Explains Wreck and Fight With Ryan Blaney At Bristol

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Author: John Trent