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NASCAR: Carl Edwards gets three-race probation but no other penalties

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Khatir Soltani
NASCAR officials affirmed their “have at it, boys,” policy when president, Mike Helton announced a three-race probation for Carl Edwards (pictured) today. There was no suspension, nor points’ penalty, nor fine imposed.

Edwards, running more than 150 laps behind the leaders, intentionally turned Brad Keselowski who was running in the top ten, in retribution for an incident which caused Edwards’ lengthy repair and subsequent return to the race track.

Keselowski’s car got airborne and flew into the catch fencing but he was uninjured.

Helton explained that “the 12 car getting airborne is a much more serious issue for us right now. We take what Carl did seriously, but (it's) bigger topic, a car getting airborne at a 1.5-mile track. Been years since we've seen that."

While it’s true that the Keselowski/Edwards rivalry has been brewing for years NASCAR officials felt parking Edwards at the time, and calling him into the their headquarters hauler was enough of a price to pay for his actions.

"We made it very clear to [Edwards] that these actions were not acceptable and did go beyond what we said back in January about putting the driving back in the hands of the drivers," Helton said. "We believe [Edwards] understands our position at this point.

Since Sunday NASCAR has had discussions with the two teams in order to cool things down, “it's not as much us mentoring at this point, as it is the two drivers talking it out with the owners listening,” added Helton.

NASCAR officials will take corrective actions "if there's a rivalry that goes beyond racing, they need to figure out how to manage that before we get involved in it."

“... The clear message I think we sent in January was is that we were willing to put more responsibility in the hands of the driver, but there is a line you can cross and we'll step in to maintain law and order when we think that line's crossed."

Other drivers reacted favourably on Twitter “Airborne is biggest and only issue. I like Helton's call,” wrote Kasey Kahne.

AJ Allmendinger wrote “I'm really, really surprised by all the negativity towards NASCAR's decision. They are doing exactly what everyone has been screaming for.”

Kevin Harvick, one of the few drivers who have been suspended by NASCAR in recent history wrote “Huh! Surprised by the penalty or lack there of..... I'm thinking (sic) about asking for a refund for all of my penalties!!!!”


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • 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