Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s aggressive racing approach has once again landed him in hot water, reinforcing his controversial reputation in the NASCAR Cup Series. Stenhouse Jr.’s latest stunt involved yet another high-profile collision, this time during the Ambetter Health 400’s second stage in Atlanta. The crash involved Chase Briscoe, Brad Keselowski, Corey LaJoie, and Chase Elliott, the latter being the one to bear the brunt of Stenhouse’s reckless maneuver.
Stenhouse Jr. initiated a chain reaction crash after making contact with Briscoe in Turn 4, which subsequently forced him into Elliott’s No. 9 car, leading Elliott into the wall. Despite almost saving his car, Elliott spun out, bringing Keselowski and LaJoie in the fallout. Predictably, the incident incited an outcry among competitors and fans alike, all laying the blame firmly at Stenhouse Jr.’s feet.
The immediate backlash was palpable. Elliott’s team radio echoed with expressions of ire towards Stenhouse Jr., with spotter Trey Poole letting loose his frustration: “The 47 put us in the f—-g wall.” Crew chief Alan Gustafson and Elliott himself concurred. Elliott conceded, “I knew better than to stay next to that one. I just couldn’t get out fast enough” – a rare admission of error further inflaming the fans’ fury towards No.47, Stenhouse Jr.
Stenhouse Jr.’s penchant for instigating crashes has long vexed his competitors. However, the latest incident has provoked a wave of disapproval from the fanbase. One fan’s assessment was particularly biting: “Ricky has quickly returned to full menace status.” This isn’t a new development. Just two weeks into the season, Stenhouse Jr. is already embroiled in multiple incidents, including a clash with Joey Logano at the 2025 Daytona 500 that benched several top contenders.
His reckless antics extend beyond NASCAR. At the Chili Bowl Nationals in January, defending champion Logan Seavey lambasted Stenhouse Jr.’s actions as “embarrassing” following a late-race collision. “He’s supposed to be a professional race car driver. He has corporate sponsors. I think a lot of people should be embarrassed by that action,” Seavey criticized.
Despite the setback, Elliott refused to bow out. His team performed quick repairs, addressing a bent toe link and an out of alignment wheel, allowing him to stay in the race. However, with significant damage and trailing by two laps, his chances of a strong finish were significantly hampered. The fans’ patience seems to have worn thin with Stenhouse Jr., as they took to social media to express their disapproval.
Stenhouse Jr.’s reckless driving history has made him one of the most divisive figures in the sport. Fans are growing exasperated with his consistent involvement in crashes. One fan pointed out, “It’s every week with that 47, man. Hell, I’d be afraid to race around the guy.” Another fan, referencing Stenhouse Jr.’s streak of causing crashes, challenged him, “Stenhouse should see if he can cause a wreck every week. He’s 2 for 2 so far!”
The message is clear – fans are fed up with Stenhouse Jr.’s reckless behavior going unchecked. For Elliott, Keselowski, and LaJoie, the damage is already done. However, if Stenhouse Jr. continues this pattern of dangerous driving, it won’t be long before someone decides that enough is enough.