Ross Chastain punched Jeremy Clements in the face after an on-track stoush escalated in pit lane during a red flag at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The pair had made contact early in the race, Chastain the instigator, and Clements apparently took exception to the move.
When the race was suspended due to rain, Clements grabbed Chastain by the shoulder in pit lane, at which point the latter turned and punched Clements in the face.
“Somebody grabbed me by my shoulders and kind of pushed me,” Chastain told NASCAR on Fox.
“I just turned around and saw who it was. I hope he realises now that he can talk, we can talk, but you can’t grab someone by the shoulders.
“That happened before and I said right then I wouldn’t let it happen again. What’s done is done.”
Clements claimed that he did not intend to engage in physical conflict.
“I put my hand on his back and turned him around,’’ Clements told NBC Sports.
“I had no intention of hitting him, and he turned around and socked me. I had no intention of fighting the guy.’’
Both drivers finished the race when it resumed after a near two-hour stoppage.
NASCAR.com reports that Chastain considered the matter finished after the two discussed the matter following a meeting with NASCAR officials.
Erik Jones nudged Ryan Blaney out of the way to take victory.
See video below for Chastain’s interview and footage of the incident between he (#4) and Clements (#51).
VIDEO: Ross Chastain explains his version of events
.@RossChastain talks with @JamieLittleTV about what happened with @JClements51 on pit road. https://t.co/Z4vsWxB0wU
— FOX SPORTS: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 22, 2017
VIDEO: Race highlights
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