NASCAR: 5 drivers who could retaliate against Ross Chastain

Drivers who could retaliate against Ross Chastain: No. 4 – Kyle Busch

Throughout most of the 2022 season, the attention around Kyle Busch has been about his contract situation for 2023, but during the second trip to Richmond Raceway, the attention around him shifted to an on-track incident between himself and Ross Chastain.

On lap 240, just after the start of the final stage, Chastain drove a little too deep into turn three and hit the left-rear quarter panel of Busch’s #18 Toyota, sending Busch around through turn four. Busch did not retaliate, nor did he mention retaliation post-race. He simply mentioned that he and his team “got Chastained”.

While Busch has still made no mention of potential retaliation, he is known to be aggressive and retaliate against others. Over the years, he has retaliated against numerous drivers whom he felt wronged him, including Ron Hornaday Jr., Elliott Sadler, William Byron, and Kevin Harvick.

Busch is among the more likely candidates to repay the favor to Chastain, given his history. But he still might choose to refrain from doing so, as that may hurt his sponsor and contract negotiations, as well as his chances at a third Cup Series championship.

If Busch chooses to retaliate, it would most likely come in heat-of-the-moment fashion when he is angry about something, as that seems to be when he usually strikes against his adversaries.