NASCAR fines Smith $50k

NASCAR fined Zane Smith $50,000 for hitting Carson Hocevar after the checkered flag in last weekend’s Cup race at Phoenix Raceway.

First incident since July meeting

This is the first incident between the two since NASCAR met with them at Atlanta in July and told them there would be consequences if they didn’t halt their on-track issues.

Smith’s statement on dislike

Smith said, 'I just don’t like him (Hocevar) as a human. I think we both understand where we’re at with everything, but certainly, the meeting doesn’t change how much he dislikes me and how much…

“I just don’t like him (Hocevar) as a human. I think we both understand where we’re at with everything, but certainly, the meeting doesn’t change how much he dislikes me and how much I dislike him.”

NASCAR VP explains penalty

NASCAR Vice President Mike Forde said the penalty was issued because the two drivers had been warned after the Chicagoland race incident.

Second consecutive incident

This week’s incident marks the second consecutive week two drivers have intentionally hit each other after the checkered flag.