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NASCAR: Kyle Busch fined and placed on probation for obscene gesture at Texas

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Khatir Soltani
NASCAR’s enfant terrible has finally been, virtually, spanked by NASCAR officials. Kyle Busch a fierce competitor on the track, with winning statistics to back it up also is one of most outspoken drivers when things don’t go his way.

It was announced that Busch has been fined $25,000 and place on probation for an obscene gesture (pointing a middle finger) at a NASCAR official in the pits at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday.

According to a release "Kyle Busch violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing – inappropriate gesture and verbal abuse to NASCAR Officials) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book."

Ironically Busch was not penalized for using obscene language over the team radio, on Saturday, expressing his doubts that Nationwide race winner, Carl Edwards, would be penalized by NASCAR for jumping the final race restart, and thus taking the victory.

On Sunday Busch was paying a penalty for speeding in the pits when an in-car camera caught the young driver giving the NASCAR official a middle finger salute.

Kyle Busch promptly issued a statement

"I accept NASCAR’s penalty and realize what I did during Sunday’s race at Texas was inappropriate.

"Even in my relatively short time here in NASCAR, it’s pretty obvious to everyone that I wear my emotions on my sleeve. Sometimes that passion has allowed me to find that little something extra I needed to win, and other times it’s made me cross the line. Sunday at Texas was one of those days.

"I lost my cool, plain and simple. It’s not acceptable, and I know that. I apologize to NASCAR, its fans, all the partners who support Joe Gibbs Racing, and all the people who work so hard to give me a racecar that’s capable of winning races every week. All of those people deserve better from me, and I owe it to them to keep my emotions in check."



Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada