WATCH: Dale Earnhardt Jr. responds as NASCAR gives Ricky Stenhouse Jr. “big mountain of a penalty” while Kyle Busch walks free

To the surprise of the whole NASCAR nation, the sanctioning body decided to hard with the penalties for the post-race drama at North Wilkesboro. At the end of the All-Star race, Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch was punched on the face by 2023 Daytona 500 winner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. during a heated confrontation over lap two wreck involving the two.

NASCAR rolled out the penalties on Wednesday as usual as Stenhouse Jr. was fined a whopping $75,000. His crew member and his father also got suspensions as well. Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. is surprised with the decision as Kyle Busch got a free practice despite the wreck being intentional. He reckons Busch also deserves some penalty if Stenhouse Jr. is getting such a big fine.   

I think [$25,000] would have been a good penalty for Stenhouse. On the other side, you got Kyle Busch that we know he wrecked him on purpose and he gets nothing. I’m fine with him getting nothing if Ricky’s side was a little more reasonable. For Ricky’s side to be this big mountain of a penalty and Kyle’s to be nothing was a little surprising.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.

Junior was one of the many to show their displeasure with NASCAR over the decision. Ex-RCR driver branded the decision as double standard as NASCAR used the fight for PR. Trackhosue Racing’s Danile Suarez also had a similar reaction. It seems the fans and driver can’t understand why the penalty was this severe.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. explains why he is surprised with Kyle Busch’s fine

The two times Xfinity Series champion pointed that he doesn’t want Kyle Busch to get suspended or get any penalty for the incident. Instead, he is seeking balanced verdict considering the fine given to Stenhouse Jr. huge.

I didn’t think Kyle should be suspended. I didn’t think anything about what Kyle did until you see the big fine that Ricky gets and you’re like, ‘Oh wow, that much for Ricky and nothing for Kyle.’ Just a little surprising.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

The Hall of Famer does have strong points, as he doesn’t want Kyle Busch to get a fine, but wants a reduced fine to Stenhouse Jr.  The JTGD Racing team hasn’t yet appeal the penalty and it would be interesting see if they would make the move.

In case you missed it:

• WATCH: Kyle Busch breaks silence on Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s North Wilkesboro “ambush”

• Kyle Busch breaks silence on Richard Childress’ “a** beating” threat to Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

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