NASCAR has set the possibly penalties for Kurt Busch.... are they fair?

Question

So, NASCAR, is safety a priority? If so, Kurt Busch should be suspended for a minimum of two races. His pit-road hissy fit must be dealt with swiftly and leave no room for misinterpretation.

And a six-digit fine, the loss of owner and driver points and being placed on super-secret double probation citing Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the series rule book ain't gonna to cut it.
http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/opinion/06/05/cross.words.dover/index.html

Is this POSSIBLE penalty too harsh, just right, or not strict enough in your opinion? Why?

Answer 1

He needs to get his butt sat down and get slapped upside the head for his stupidity on pit road.

He's driving a 3,400 pound lethal weapon, and you don't f*ck around with it when there are people around. It's one thing out on the track where drivers are surrounded by sheet metal and roll cages. It's another on pit road where the crew is protected by nothing more than fire suits and head helmets.

Kurt Busch is an idiot and needs to have time to think about just how stupid and childish and dangerous his actions were.

If Jason Lee hadn't seen Kurt coming and jumped out of the way, Kurt could have ended Jason's career (or worse) with his stupidity by chopping him at the knees with the nose of his car.

Answer 2

Saw it happen. Not too smart on Kurt's part. Take it out on the track, not the pit. What would have happened if Tony's crewman had been hit? He could have been killed or been incapacitated where he might have been in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. How would Kurt had felt about that (it would be with him for the rest of his life).

Not hating on Busch, but NASCAR should look into some serious punishment for this incedent. Because it happened on the pit road where unprotected people could have been injured or killed, the punishment should be severe. In any case, not just because it's a Busch, the minimum penalty should be a PARKED CAR FOR TWO RACES. Not a parked driver but a parked car. That would cover the fines in my opinion. No income for the driver because he's not driving, but then the owner has no car in the race (no income for him as well). This results in no money for the team, and no coverage for the sponsor. Nothing steams a sponsor more than not being in the race. Not being in the race will also keep them from gaining any points.

As severe as this idea seems, it serves to make a point. On the track you put your own life at risk, but you are in a protected position. In the pits, there are unprotected people at risk. If a driver is going to be selfish enough to drive into someone on the pits, they might reconsider if they know the consequences will be so much higher for them if they do it.


If they don't implement a fine of this nature or harsher, then they are only giving lip service to their ideals of safety. Duane put it best in his Cross Words column on NASCAR.COM

Answer 3

Keep in mind this didn't come out of the mouth of Mike Helton or Brian France, it's just the opinion of Duane Cross from nascar.com. He is basically saying that's what he would do if he was in charge. I think what will most likely happen is that there will be a heavy points penalty (minimum of 200 pts.), a monetary fine and/or a 1 race suspension. Rest assured he will be "on super-secret double probation" whether that's what they'll call it or not. I doubt the race suspension in this instance, though feel it is warranted, but think they need to look at that option if there are any repeat offenses like this. Because this is a safety issue I feel it is more important to nip this in the bud immediately and severely. There is no room for potentially injuring crew members over on the track issues.

According to jayski.com they are hearing that Kurt WILL be suspended for 1 race and it will probably be announced later today.

Answer 4

The punishment does not fit the crime.The pit road altercation should be a 1 race suspension atleast.
As for on track action the punishment,loss of driver and owner points,hefty fine,and probation this may fit.But it is still the pit road altercation that should be dealt with the most.
But if you look at this incident away from the track,such as a parking lot at your favorite store,there is a different picture.If you were to drive up to another vehicle( in the manner that Busch did) and nearly hit a person entering or exiting the vehicle,you would be charged with attempted vehicular assault.
So does punishment fit?Not really but at this time it will have to do.

Answer 5

According to Jayski.com Kurt will not be at Pocono.

It is against both NASCAR regulations and the Gentlemen's Code to hit a car under caution, let alone on Pit Road. Many Drivers have violated this rule and I believe it is time NASCAR set a huge presidence in this matter due to that fact that this time hitting someone on Pit Road nearly involved members of a Pit Crew.

At those speeds that Crew could've been seriously injuried or even killed. The fact that it was an intentional hit makes Kurt's actions criminal.

I think aside from the suspensions, fines, and point deductions, I believe the Dover Police need to charge Kurt with wreckless endangerment and attempted assault. His actions placed not only the #20 Pit Crew in danger, but Crew neighboring their pit stall. Alot could've gone wrong when Kurt got into Tony; and NASCAR needs to contemplate that as it passes judgement on Kurt.

Answer 6

I believe that Nascar should not only fine him points owner and driver but also monetary fine. He should also be suspended for at least 4 races. He made a terrible decision in taking the fight with smoke to the pits. There are a lot of innocent people trying to do their jobs on pit row. His recklessness could have cost someone their life. Nascar has fined other drivers for reck less driving on the track, this is inexcusable behaivor for any Nascar Driver

Answer 7

I think a fair punishment would be a 1 race suspension, a $50,000.00fine and forfeiture of 200 driver points.
I think Tony should also receive a 1 race suspension, a $25,000.00 fine and forfeiture of 125 driver points. Tony
started it, and he should be punished as well! He is the perfect example of the 'Pot' calling the 'Kettle, Black'!! He needs to learn a lesson in all this as well. He is guilty for instigating the whole thing, Kurt just made a stupid mistake
in haste. I have seen other drivers do the same thing with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Why is everyone wanting to crucify Kurt?? Tony is just as guilty, maybe more so, because he instigated the whole d@mn thing! I say
equal and fair punishment for all involved. WTF was Tony's guy gonna do with that sledgehammer?? Should that be taken as a threat?? If Tony had practiced what he 'preaches', we would not even be discussing this issue right now..
That's how I see it,,

Answer 8

A driving force ramming a motor vehicle with group individuals around is extra risky. He could are starting to be suspended for some races and a much bigger high-quality. A motor vehicle not passing inspection can not harm somebody. Nascar extra efficient awaken and notice the version in there fines.

Answer 9

I read the story as well, I still htink there has to be several races that he sits out...I know nascar is worried abour sponsor $$, but someone could have lost a life

Answer 10

I don't see what the big deal is about what Kurt did....yeah it was stupid and dangerous but no one's saying what Tony did on the track that led to it was just as stupid.

Whatever penalty Kurt gets, Tony should too...simple as that.