NASCAR officials end up on the ground as the Tony Stewart team and the Kasey Kahne team get into a shoving match. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Tony Stewart vs. Kasey Kahne (and crews)

Chicago, 2004

Stewart wrecks Kahne for the lead. The crews scuffle when Kahne crew chief Tommy Baldwin charges into Stewart’s pit stall.

Their take: “I’m still waiting for someone to tell me what happened.” – Stewart

“He should have his ass beat. That’s the problem with him. Nobody has ever really grabbed him and given him a good beating.” – Kahne team owner Ray Evernham, on Stewart

Tony Stewart vs. the media

2001-2007

In 2001, he slaps a tape recorder out of a reporter’s hand. In 2002, he strikes a photographer. By 2007, he is feuding with ESPN.

Their take: “When Joe Gibbs called me to talk about driving a race car for him, he didn’t talk to me about how to deal with sponsors, NASCAR, the fans and whatever else.” – Stewart in 2002

“Free speech has done nothing but bite me my whole career.” – Stewart in 2004

Kurt Busch vs. Maricopa County (Ariz.) sheriff’s deputies

November, 2005

Busch calls county sheriff’s deputies “a joke” and “punks” and asks them, “Do you know who I am?” after being pulled over for speeding and suspicion of drunk driving near Phoenix International Raceway. Busch is charged with reckless driving, and Roush Racing suspends him for the final two races of the season. A year later, after Busch apologized and performed community service, and sheriff Joe Arpaio makes Busch a “special deputy.”

Their take: “You’re only doing this because you’re a Jeff Gordon fan.” – Busch to the sheriff’s deputies

“This is Maricopa County, and our streets are not to be used as raceways. He ought to confine his speeding to the race track. And I don’t like anybody being abusive to my deputies. I don’t care who they are.” – sheriff Joe Arpaio

“We’re officially retiring as Kurt Busch’s apologists, effective today.” – Roush Racing President Geoff Smith, announcing Busch’s suspension.

Nicole Lunders Biffle vs. Eva Bryan Busch
Texas, 2006

After Kurt Busch spun Greg Biffle at Texas, tempers flared – among Biffle’s girlfriend and Busch’s fiance. Lunders marched down pit road, climbed atop Busch’s pit box and engaged in a heated exchange with Bryan, creating the most bizarre confrontation of the decade and a media frenzy.

Their take: “She was just upset about it and really felt like Kurt was going to end up hurting somebody, and that’s what she conveyed to Eva. She wasn’t mad at Eva one bit. They’re friends and they talk and they do stuff.” – Greg Biffle

“You’ve got to remember, most everybody in the garage area is friends, and those two girls in particular have a close relationship. Tempers flare.” – NASCAR Vice President Robin Pemberton

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