NNS: Edwards Penalized; Keselowski On Probation

Sprint Cup

NNS: Edwards Penalized; Keselowski On Probation

NASCAR has taken away points, fined Carl Edwards and placed both Edwards and Brad Keselowski on probation...

Mike Hembree | Posted July 21, 2010 Indianapolis, IN

When Carl Edwards (60) wrecked Brad Keselowski (22) to win a Nationwide Series race at Gateway earlier this year, it was just one of several times this NASCAR season that drivers haven't shied away from roughing each other up. (Photo: Getty Images)

In the aftermath of last week’s controversial last-lap encounters involving Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski at Gateway International Raceway, NASCAR has fined Edwards points and money and has placed both drivers on probation.

Edwards was docked 60 driver points in the Nationwide Series standings and fined $25,000, while car owner Jack Roush lost 60 owner points. Both Edwards and Keselowski were placed on probation until Dec. 31.

The penalties were based on NASCAR’s interpretation of “actions detrimental” to the sport in the aggressive driving category.

After the penalties were announced, Keselowski said the last-lap incident was “unfortunate not just for Penske Racing and the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge team, but for all of the teams that were caught up in the aftermath. There was unnecessary damage done to a lot of race cars as a result of the incident, including one of our best cars.

“We support NASCAR’s decision and we look forward to putting this behind us. Our focus continues to be working hard to get Discount Tire, Ruby Tuesday, Dodge, Mr. Penske and Penske Racing a championship this season.”

VIDEO: Last Lap Gateway Nationwide - Edwards Wins Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski tangle. (Image: SPEED)

Roush Fenway Racing president Geoff Smith issued a brief statement in response to the penalties.

“As with all NASCAR actions of this nature, we will internally evaluate the penalties, and the underlying explanations, prior to making any decision about next steps,” Smith said. “We look forward to watching Carl and Brad as they continue to compete on a weekly basis for the championship in the Nationwide Series.”

The Nationwide Series race at Gateway ended in calamity as the two heated rivals fought for the win.

Edwards led the white-flag lap, but Keselowski moved in front after tapping Edwards and moving him up the track in the first turn.

Edwards retaliated as the drivers left the fourth turn on the ride to the checkered flag. He drove into the rear of Keselowski’s car, spinning it to the right and into the outside wall. Keselowski’s car bounced back into traffic and was slammed by oncoming cars.

While Keselowski was pretending to be a ping pong ball, Edwards cruised under the checkered flag for the win. He admitted in victory lane that he intentionally crashed Keselowski because of Keselowski’s first-turn move.

Both drivers tossed accusations in the aftermath, Edwards saying Keselowski tried to rob him of the win with the first-turn maneuver and Keselowski saying Edwards’ retaliation was far over the line.

The last lap at the Madison, Ill. track has been the talk of NASCAR circles for the past week. Edwards and Keselowski have a history of bad blood on the track.

Mike Hembree is NASCAR Editor for SPEED.com and has been covering motorsports for 28 years. He has written several books on NASCAR, including "NASCAR: The Definitive History of America's Sport" and "Then Tony Said To Junior: The Best NASCAR Stories Ever Told". He is a six-time winner of the National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year Award.

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Mike Hembree

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