‘Drama’ is not a new word at the Tulsa Shootout, and neither is a brawl. Teenager Ethan Wicker was quick to learn about it after getting face-to-face in an unexpected show of hands against one of the adult competitors.

In the video circulating on social media, Wicker appears to be engaged in an argument with someone who seems to be twice his age. As the argument continued, someone flipped off the cap the adult was wearing. It is unclear at the moment who did that because of the large crowd, but that escalated the situation.

Both Ethan Wicker and the other competitor, whose name is currently not known, were engaged in a major brawl. Wicker seemed to be on the receiving end as he was overpowered. However, the security was quick to interfere in the matter, and the two were separated. Shortly after, Wicker, the teenager hoping to make a name for himself in the series, was ejected from the building.

This entire ordeal took place during the Stock Non-Wing qualifier. Wicker, who seemed to be the center of the action, was earlier on the track in one of the more thrilling races. He proved to be one of the more competitive ones, as he managed to finish 10th in that race. However, it seems unclear what actions the authorities will take regarding his future in the series after his brawl saw him get ejected.

Nothing like grown men and kids mixing it up over a race that would pay about $2500 to win. It might not have been worth it, considering we see a lot less happen in races that pay 100 times more to win. But let us not forget, this is the Shootout, and brawls are not new.

For instance, back in 2022, Blake Scott and his father, Chris Scott, were ejected from the event after a brawl that involved another racer, Nicholas Howard. The whole fiasco took place after Howard bumped Scott’s car from behind, causing Scott to spin out. The latter’s father was furious and went after Howard.

The Tulsa Shootout is widely popular amongst drivers from different racing series, especially stock car racing. The thrill that racing on the dirt gives is quite a warm-up for the NASCAR drivers as they prepare to face the Cup season shortly after this. This year as well, there are a couple more familiar faces taking their chances around the dirt at Tulsa.

NASCAR drivers running the Tulsa in 2026

Following the trend, there are multiple Cup Series stars participating in the 2026 Tulsa Shootout. In fact, the fans will also get to see a father-son duo, as Kyle Busch will also accompany his son, Brexton. The young driver has been making quite a name in the junior series and aims to put on a strong show on the dirt once again.

Last year, he also managed to score his first Golden Driller in the Jr. Sprint division. Meanwhile, his father will run four divisions: Winged Outlaw, Non-Wing Outlaw, Winged A-Class, and Stock Non-Wing.

That is not the only Kyle the series will have. The 2025 Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson, is also prepared to make a striking return to the series. This is his second consecutive year at Tulsa, and after winning the Golden Driller in two divisions last year, Larson will attempt to reproduce a similar result in 2026.

Interestingly, he won one of the races last year after two drivers took each other out and were later involved in a major brawl.

There will also be a new face with Ty Gibbs making his debut in the series. Being a first runner, he has put up quite a few expectations with participation in all four premier divisions.

The Tulsa Shootout is one of the first motorsports events of the year. At the same time, it can also be quite challenging, considering the nature of the race and the track. With the ruthless aggression being spilled on the track consistently, it is not uncommon for drivers to be engaged in brawls, like the one that saw Ethan Wicker’s ejection. Will he be able to make a comeback from here?