At the conclusion of the opening round of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying for Sunday’s TicketGuardian 500 at ISM Raceway in Phoenix, a brawl broke out between Daniel Suarez and Michael McDowell.
Both drivers are from the Ford camp, but had a dispute about an incident that happened on the track as the round was drawing to a close. McDowell made a mistake in impeding Suarez’s attempt at a hot lap. Suarez was understandably frustrated and attempted to crash McDowell’s No. 34 car as a result.
When they climbed from the car the two drivers threw down.
Punches thrown in Phoenix. Daniel Suárez vs. Michael McDowell. pic.twitter.com/lIIfu9bFXE
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 8, 2019
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Here is what Michael McDowell had to say about the incident:
"[Daniel Suárez] tried to crash us and I just didn't appreciate it."- Michael McDowell pic.twitter.com/xYlyMYYiUw
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 9, 2019
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Suarez responded by saying the fight happened due to a lack of respect from McDowell.
Daniel Suárez says a "lack of respect" from McDowell caused the fight. pic.twitter.com/Z1BEuNF5YJ
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 9, 2019
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This certainly adds some spice to this race weekend.