NASCAR Hands Out the Penalties

NASCAR didn't waste any time handing out the penalties from yesterday's race in New Hampshire (I documented some of the disputes here). No suspensions were issued, but they did hit folks where it hurts:

Kasey Kahne - 25 points, $25,000, and probation for the rest of the year for actions detrimental to stock car racing.

Robby Gordon - 50 points, $35,000, and probation for the rest of the year for attempting to hit another car during the caution, and improper language during the TV broadcast.

Michael Waltrip - 25 points and $10,000 for an obscene gesture which was caught on the in-car camera after Robbie Gordon chucked his helmet at him.

Kasey and Robby certainly deserved their penalties (and maybe more for Robby), but I think Michael got the short end on this one. I saw the in-car shot, and it's not really clear to me that he told Robby that "he was number one". Maybe the drivers are going to have to come up with a new gesture of their own that accomplishes the same thing without looking bad on TV.

The money doesn't really mean much to these guys, all of whom are multi-millionaires, but the points can hurt, especially when it comes to year-end points bonuses and the all-important top-35 in the standings, which guarantees a spot in future races.

I'm sure everybody will be good and calmed down before they take to the track this weekend in Dover, and you can be sure NASCAR President Mike Helton will make it very clear to all involved that this stuff has to stop, especially under caution when safety workers are on the track.