Did NASCAR make right call on post-Charlotte penalties?
NASCAR issued fines late Tuesday afternoon to Brad Keselowski and Tony Stewart following the post-race incidents Saturday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The way things all came down, I actually think NASCAR got this one right. When you look at the circumstances, I can see why Brad got the bulk of the penalties.
I think NASCAR sent a clear but fair message to Brad that what he did after the race would not be accepted. In Tony's situation, well, it happened on pit road, and NASCAR has said repeatedly we simply can't have that happening. So they fined him, letting him know what he did was totally unacceptable.
I realize that Tony did retaliate after getting hit by Brad, but NASCAR had to send the message, albeit an old cliche, that "two wrongs don't make a right." Probably if Tony had gotten out of his car and gone after Brad similar to what Matt Kenseth did, well, I'm pretty sure NASCAR would have viewed that in a different light.
I'm thankful that NASCAR didn't overrreact and impose any penalties that would affect the overall Chase to the championship where Brad is concerned. I'm glad they also didn't overreact to what happened to Brad and Matt Kenseth between the haulers after the race. It really wasn't so much a fistfight as it was more like a bunch of kids wrestling.
Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with it all. Once again, it shows they aren't going to turn a blind eye to something, while at the same time it sends a strong but fair message that there is a clear line in the sand that these drivers aren't to cross.
VIDEO: Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski scuffle at Charlotte
VIDEO: Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin burn rubber in garage
