NASCAR contenders throw punches after on-track crash

The third race of the NASCAR Cup Series Chase was held at the short oval circuit, Bristol Motor Speedway. During this stage of the season, 16 drivers battle it out for the Cup Series championship, while the rest have already been eliminated from the title fight.

Both Blaney and Hocevar are among the Chase contenders. The two drivers were battling for second place during the final stage when the latter put the Team Penske driver into the wall.

Blaney went to confront Hocevar, who decided to fight back and also landed a punch.

Afterwards, Hocevar said to reporters: "I understand why he’s upset. That’s probably his championship. So I understand 100 percent. And I’d probably be mad at me, too. Whether it was his mistake, my mistake, my fault or not, I’d be pretty pissed if I was him.

Hocevar has developed a reputation among his rivals for having a habit of wrecking other drivers. Blaney said before confronting Hocevar: "I haven’t had a problem with him for probably a year and a half, but it’s getting old."

In the end, victory went to Blaney's Team Penske teammate, Joey Logano. Hocevar crossed the finish line in thrird place. Blaney is currently sixth, Hocevar is eighth in the standings.