The 20 Most Entertaining Driver Confrontations In NASCAR History

11. Michigan 2003 – Kurt Busch vs. Jimmy Spencer

The Setup: 

The roots of this rivalry began in 2001, when a lapped Jimmy Spencer dumped rookie Kurt Busch during the November race at Phoenix. The two met again at Bristol in March 2002, where Busch returned the favor against Spencer by shoving him out of the lead for the win. After an incident at Indy later that year when Spencer dumped Busch again, all was quiet. That is, until the August 2003 Michigan race, where Busch felt like he had some unfinished business with Spencer.

The Fallout:

Spencer, driving the No. 7 Dodge, was minding his own business when Busch’s No. 97 pulled up beside him and bumped him a couple of times. It seemed innocuous, until Busch exhibited a poor lack in judgement by admitting he was trying to flatten Spencer’s fender in hopes of cutting his tire. Spencer was seething when he overheard this, so when Busch stopped in front of the No. 7’s hauler, words and threats were exchanged before Spencer gleefully popped Busch in his beak. The result? A suspended Spencer, and a Busch with a broken nose and a chorus of boos wherever he went. No charges were filed, and Busch got the message: Don’t mess with Jimmy Spencer.

Next: Texas 2010