NASCAR Won't Penalize Busch, Crew Members For Fight

By ESPN

NASCAR has decided not to penalize or fine Kyle Busch for taking a swing at Joey Logano following the Cup race Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

NASCAR announced its decision Wednesday, along with the fact that no crew members were penalized.

"After a full review of multiple videos and discussions with both competitors and their respective race teams, we felt Sunday's postrace incident does not warrant any further action," NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O'Donnell said in a statement. "NASCAR was built on the racing that took place on the final lap by two drivers battling for position. The emotions of our athletes run high, and Kyle Busch and Joey Logano are two of the most passionate and competitive drivers in the sport. Both competitors are very clear on our expectations going forward and we will be meeting with them in person prior to practice on Friday in Phoenix."

NASCAR traditionally has only issued, at times, a small fine to drivers involved in fights. After a 2014 brawl between the crews of Jeff Gordon and Brad Keselowski, the drivers didn't face any sanctions, although crew members who could be identified as throwing punches were suspended.

Busch didn't sound too forgiving on Sunday.

"I got dumped. He flat out just drove straight in the corner and wrecked me," Busch said. "That's how Joey races, so he's going to get it."

The rulebook gives NASCAR wide latitude when determining penalties or sanctions for postrace altercations.

The rulebook states that a minor enforcement action, such as a meeting, could be required for "heat-of-the-moment actions or reactions, either on or off the race track" and "Member-to-Member confrontation(s) without physical violence (e.g. shoving match, shouting match, or general 'venting')."

But it also states that "Member-to-Member confrontation(s) with physical violence" could result in a loss of 25 to 50 points and/or a $50,000 to $100,000 fine and/or a suspension.

Chairman Brian France, appearing on SiriusXM Radio's NASCAR channel, said Monday that NASCAR likely would not do much to the drivers.

"We're not going to get too wound up about it because this is an emotional sport -- there is a lot on the line for these drivers, these teams and sponsors and everybody else," France said. "That's just part of big-time sports. You're going to have a little bit of that."

Mars, parent company of Busch sponsor M&M's, reacted to questions about Busch's action with a statement indicating that while it wouldn't condone Busch's actions, he would not face discipline.

"The recent actions by Kyle Busch are not consistent with the values of Mars Chocolate North America," the statement said. "While we are disappointed with the situation, we hope the drivers and team members involved learn from this experience and continue to grow as professional athletes representing the sport."

NASCAR did issue Wednesday a pair of $10,000 fines - to race-winning Martin Truex Jr. crew chief Cole Pearn and 21st-place Ty Dillon crew chief Bootie Barker - for having one loose lug nut on the car during postrace inspection.