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Stewart, Busch Get Probation

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By TONY FABRIZIO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 13, 2008

DAYTONA BEACH - Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch faced fines and point penalties for their run-ins during and after Bud Shootout practice on Friday, but they got off with probation Tuesday.

NASCAR placed the two former champions on probation for six races, which carries through the March 30 race at Martinsville, Va.

The penalty doesn't appear to be very punitive, since there is little precedent for drivers on probation getting stiffer penalties for repeat offenses. But NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said the warning has teeth.

"We're also going to redefine what probation means, and they clearly understand it," he said.

Stewart and Busch crashed during practice while running in traffic. Busch thought Stewart caused the accident and retaliated by banging into the side of his car as it pulled onto pit road. Stewart reportedly punched Busch during a closed-door meeting with NASCAR officials.

NASCAR vice president for competition Robin Pemberton said probation was chosen over a more serious penalty as part of a shift toward letting drivers display emotion.

"We're still working on letting the drivers develop and vent in proper ways, but we're giving them some more latitude," he said. "We said in the offseason we would do that, and this is another step to let you know this is what we mean."

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