A recent fight between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Kyle Busch following a race has generated considerable controversy, not the least of which has stemmed from the idea that NASCAR is simultaneously fining one of the participants while also promoting the fight itself.
It’s a nifty bit of marketing from the organization, which sees viewership spikes when there are dust-ups but wants to maintain a professional image at the same time.
But there’s a space where both of those things can co-exist, says FOX analyst Kevin Harvick.
“I’m of the opinion that NASCAR has to live on both sides of the fence here,” Harvick said. “I’m of the opinion that as rough and tumble and edgy as NASCAR acts and wants to be in certain departments, you have to be the exact opposite in the other department. You have corporate America that you have to keep happy on one side with the $75,000 fine, we’re not going to tolerate that.
“And on the other side it’s like, ‘Hey, this is awesome, we’re going to promote it. It’s the greatest thing that happened for the sport.'”
As a consequence of the fight, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was fined $75,000, a hefty fine for someone in his position. The fine is meant to have some teeth as a deterrent.
But it’s also drawn criticism from other drivers, like Denny Hamlin.
Hamlin believes the fine was too steep for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. He also thinks it’s a bit unfair that Busch was not penalized or reprimanded at all, even after crowing following the race that he had intentionally gotten into it with Stenhouse.
Regardless, the entire thing made for terrific viewing and provided no shortage of talking points after. So yeah, NASCAR is going to promote it while simultaneously making a courtesy show of curbing the behavior.
“And it was a great moment for our sport,” Harvick said. “And it’s no different than the NBA, than the NFL. They’re going to promote it, they’re going to fine it and that’s the way you run professional sports organizations, whether you like it or not.”
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