Edwards gets 3 race probation

[TeamBlueOval]

NASCAR president Mike Helton on Tuesday announced Sprint Cup driver Carl Edwards had been placed on probation for the next three Sprint Cup races as a result of Edwards intentionally wrecking Brad Keselowski this past Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Edwards' probation covers the March 21 and March 28 races at Bristol Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway, both half-mile short tracks, and the April 10 event at Phoenix International Raceway, a 1-mile oval that NASCAR still considers a short track.

Helton, who was in Charlotte, N.C., on Tuesday and who typically attends NASCAR's weekly competition meetings, said the ruling clarified NASCAR's stand on drivers self-policing themselves.

"We're promoting typical NASCAR driving, side-by-side racing with our type of race cars; and that's what we talked about back in January," Helton said "A lot of that came from the conversation of NASCAR taking stock of its rules and regulations to back away from the grip we may have on drivers that caused the driver to pull up to a car and say, 'Well, I think I can get around him, but maybe I can't. And if I hit him, I don't want to pay the price for what that costs.'

"So we were telling the drivers and telling the public that we told the drivers that we were going to back off on that grip we had. But there is a line you can cross. When you cross that line in our opinion, we're going to get involved with you."

Helton confirmed with his opening statement that Edwards had crossed that imaginary line.

"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. "I believe [Edwards] understands our position at this point."

Helton said the decision came "after meeting and discussing the events Sunday evening, all day Monday and [Tuesday] morning." Helton added that an additional meeting would be arranged between NASCAR officials, team owners Jack Roush and Roger Penske and the two drivers.

"We want to get this matter resolved between the two drivers, clean the slate, if you will, so that they can both go back to some hard, competitive, side-by-side racing that is NASCAR," Helton said. "We're working on that schedule, but certainly it wouldn't be later than the Saturday or Sunday in Bristol.

"It's more of an open dialogue among the two drivers to discuss the issues they might have with each other and reach a resolve that way. It's not as much as us lecturing or mentoring at this point as it is for the two drivers to talk it out and the owners listening to the conversation and their input's important.
~NASCAR.com -- article continues HERE (http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/headlines/cup/03/09/cedwards.probation.bkeselowski/1.html)

I think this is a good punishment.

[mattemmy99]

I am actually surprised there wasn't more....but...I am thinking they had a good talk with him,and jack,and maybe Carl made his point to Brad...I HOPE

[speedfan]

Well I'm disappointed they even did that. I was hoping for nothing

[mattemmy99]

I think Nascar had to do something....yes,they want drivers "policing"themselves,BUT....they also have to draw the line somewhere...Carls move was a butthead move...LOL~(I am a Carl fan),and I think Nasacar had to set the "line" someplace~

[TeamBlueOval]

With this light punishment, some articles I've read have argued that NASCAR has basically opened the flood gates for more retaliation throughout the year. Another wait and see situation, I guess.

[TeamBlueOval]

Jack Roush comments...

“We are satisfied that NASCAR fairly considered all the circumstances in its decision to discipline Carl (Edwards). We look forward to meeting with NASCAR, Roger (Penske) and Brad (Keselowski) in Bristol next weekend and it is our hope to put this behind us at that time. Missed in all of this was a really strong performance by Roush Fenway - and the Ford teams in general - at Atlanta last weekend and we are eager to continue to build on that moving forward.”
~Roush Fenway Racing~



Here is a great video from ESPN. Really agree with Rusty's comments. He was always an aggressive driver himself, and seems to understand the workings behind WHY Carl did this and the intended results.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4979405

[DeeDee]

With this light punishment, some articles I've read have argued that NASCAR has basically opened the flood gates for more retaliation throughout the year. Another wait and see situation, I guess.I've heard the same plus I have to agree. It's open season now :eh:
The media coverage that I've see makes NASCAR look like a fool. It's no longer a sport it's entertainment. Kinda like the WWE.

[yatesracing]

Carl you did good. You might have saved another driver from getting hurt due to Brads aggressiveness. I sure hope so. I read Terry's comments and realized he forgot to mention how Brad's aggressiveness caused Carl to flip at Dega ,why it even injured a fan. He also forgot to mention why Carl was 100 laps behind in the race. Didn't Hamlin also retaliate because of Brads aggressiveness. There have been other driver complaining but nothing was done. Carl gave him a hit and the position of the car and the air ,with the wings help Brad go flying. I hope next time Brad will think twice before he starts his aggressive driving and lack of respect for the other drivers.

It makes me sick to read all about POOR BRAD. WELL HE ASK FOR IT AND HE GOT IT. He was lucky this time. next time he might not be so lucky.

[mattemmy99]

As someone said on another board...BRAD MESSED WITH THE BULL,AND GOT THE HORNS....

Denny Hamlin seems quit happy with the "ligh punishment",and I just hope it does open Brads eyes,and realize that He can't do what HEs been doing in NW...

[yatesracing]

As someone said on another board...BRAD MESSED WITH THE BULL,AND GOT THE HORNS....

Denny Hamlin seems quit happy with the "ligh punishment",and I just hope it does open Brads eyes,and realize that He can't do what HEs been doing in NW...<<<BRAD MESSED WITH THE BULL,AND GOT THE HORNS..>>> Never thought of this BUT I LOVE IT.

[DeeDee]

It's probably not a good idea to PO the sponsor...

Scott's Statement: Scotts appreciates the support of NASCAR fans everywhere, and we have an excellent relationship with Carl Edwards, Jack Roush and the #99 Roush Fenway Racing team. However, like many fans, we were very concerned about the on-track incident that occurred in Atlanta this past weekend. As a result, we have strongly expressed these concerns to both Carl and Jack, and we are confident that they have a clear understanding of the trust we have placed in them as ambassadors of our company, our associates and our brands. In addition, as a sponsor, we want to make sure that drivers, race teams and NASCAR focus on keeping these types of incidents and misjudgments from happening.(3-11-2010) ~jayski

[TeamBlueOval]

They have to hold a middle ground, and they've probably gotten emails from all the haters over the last few days, so they had to try and appease them all...

[yatesracing]

I agree with you and I sent one with a positive reply.

[yatesracing]

But I don't believe that is FOREVER.

I'm not your usual FORD FAN, if they do something I don't like I get angry BUTT if ever there is an issue with FORD or a FORD TEAM I will be behind them. Right, Wrong. or Indifferent , you will find me FIRST IN LINE.

[roosterrage]

Denny and Carl may have just become best friends.

[Dog]

Carl you did good. You might have saved another driver from getting hurt due to Brads aggressiveness. I sure hope so. I read Terry's comments and realized he forgot to mention how Brad's aggressiveness caused Carl to flip at Dega ,why it even injured a fan. He also forgot to mention why Carl was 100 laps behind in the race. Didn't Hamlin also retaliate because of Brads aggressiveness. There have been other driver complaining but nothing was done. Carl gave him a hit and the position of the car and the air ,with the wings help Brad go flying. I hope next time Brad will think twice before he starts his aggressive driving and lack of respect for the other drivers.

It makes me sick to read all about POOR BRAD. WELL HE ASK FOR IT AND HE GOT IT. He was lucky this time. next time he might not be so lucky.

First of all, I want to say this. Carl shouldn't have done it, but it had to be done. But of course who was doing something?

I don't believe that 'Dega wreck was Brad's fault. I don't think that wreck was Carl's fault. It was NASCAR's fault. Had they not had the idiotic yellow line rule as it stands they would be just fine. And again Atlanta wasn't really Brad's fault either. But don't think I'm a Kes. fan. Honestly, I think he is a pompas, arrogant, and, at times, wreckless driver. I am a Carl fan, but NOT a Kes. fan.

Yes, Hamlin retaliated, but only spun him out. Carl hopefully sent a real message.

[yatesracing]

First of all, I want to say this. Carl shouldn't have done it, but it had to be done. But of course who was doing something?

I don't believe that 'Dega wreck was Brad's fault. I don't think that wreck was Carl's fault. It was NASCAR's fault. Had they not had the idiotic yellow line rule as it stands they would be just fine. And again Atlanta wasn't really Brad's fault either. But don't think I'm a Kes. fan. Honestly, I think he is a pompas, arrogant, and, at times, wreckless driver. I am a Carl fan, but NOT a Kes. fan.

Yes, Hamlin retaliated, but only spun him out. Carl hopefully sent a real message.Thjat was Carl's intent but Carl's tap had a little bit more of the winds help and thats what sent Brad flying.;) Oh I almost forgot, the dega trip that Carl took was indeed due to Brads overly aggressive driving. Personally I think he is trying to become Earnhardt Sr. the Second.
"The Intimidator"

[DeeDee]

First of all, I want to say this. Carl shouldn't have done it, but it had to be done. But of course who was doing something?

I don't believe that 'Dega wreck was Brad's fault. I don't think that wreck was Carl's fault. It was NASCAR's fault. Had they not had the idiotic yellow line rule as it stands they would be just fine. And again Atlanta wasn't really Brad's fault either. But don't think I'm a Kes. fan. Honestly, I think he is a pompas, arrogant, and, at times, wreckless driver. I am a Carl fan, but NOT a Kes. fan.

Yes, Hamlin retaliated, but only spun him out. Carl hopefully sent a real message.

I agree with Dog ..... that Dega wreck wasn't Brad's fault. That lies solely on NASCAR's shoulders and that stupid yellow line rule. Thinking of that race the year earlier, Stewart got the pitty win. IMO Smith won that race not Stewart. Stewart ran Smith down under the yellow. So to avoid a wreck Smith was flagged. NOW if you really want to get technical, by NASCAR rules both Stewart and Smith should have been flagged and the WIN should have been given to Menard (if I remember correctly). Given the outcome Brad didn't do anything wrong, he held his position. If this retaliation by Carl is based on that race :eh: Not good. :(
Thanks Dog for your unbiased comment on that.


Thjat was Carl's intent but Carl's tap had a little bit more of the winds help and thats what sent Brad flying.;) Oh I almost forgot, the dega trip that Carl took was indeed due to Brads overly aggressive driving. Personally I think he is trying to become Earnhardt Sr. the Second.
"The Intimidator"

GG ..... you really believe that.....the winds help? ;) :eek:



To be honest, at this point I'm not sure Carl sent much of a message. Brad is very green and still wet behind the ears .... very head strong and has alot to learn. NASCAR just giving Edwards 3 weeks probation giving Brad 3 weeks to retaliate if he has the mind to...... and any other driver that has a beef with him. The big picture doesn't look very good. :cry:

On to BRISTOL!!!!! :cool: Love short track racing... just wish it was under the lights ;)

[yatesracing]

I agree with Dog ..... that Dega wreck wasn't Brad's fault. That lies solely on NASCAR's shoulders and that stupid yellow line rule. Thinking of that race the year earlier, Stewart got the pitty win. IMO Smith won that race not Stewart. Stewart ran Smith down under the yellow. So to avoid a wreck Smith was flagged. NOW if you really want to get technical, by NASCAR rules both Stewart and Smith should have been flagged and the WIN should have been given to Menard (if I remember correctly). Given the outcome Brad didn't do anything wrong, he held his position. If this retaliation by Carl is based on that race :eh: Not good. :(
Thanks Dog for your unbiased comment on that.



GG ..... you really believe that.....the winds help? ;) :eek:



To be honest, at this point I'm not sure Carl sent much of a message. Brad is very green and still wet behind the ears .... very head strong and has alot to learn. NASCAR just giving Edwards 3 weeks probation giving Brad 3 weeks to retaliate if he has the mind to...... and any other driver that has a beef with him. The big picture doesn't look very good. :cry:

On to BRISTOL!!!!! :cool: Love short track racing... just wish it was under the lights ;).....the winds helP>>> Oh yea when Bead spun the winds got under the wings and turned him over. I have it on tape and the more I look at it, the more I realize Carl wanted to spin him. Half way thru the spin you could almost feel that wind pick up that wing and sent him flying. BTW I believe both driver will be on Good Behavior (at least with each other)

Love Bristol but I'm on pins and needles thru that whole race. I just hate to see my FORD DRIVERS get into trouble and one or more of them may just do that.. Got fingers and toes crossed LOL;)

[yatesracing]

BTW DeeDee are yoiu going to Bristol?

[yatesracing]

I had my own little Bristol here about 3 hours ago. Some guy who had to much to drink came across the road and into my fence and yard. The tow truck had to pull him out. LIGHTS, COPS AND ACTION. Things are quiet now which means I'll be up for the rest of the night.

[DeeDee]

.....the winds helP>>> Oh yea when Bead spun the winds got under the wings and turned him over. I have it on tape and the more I look at it, the more I realize Carl wanted to spin him. Half way thru the spin you could almost feel that wind pick up that wing and sent him flying. BTW I believe both driver will be on Good Behavior (at least with each other)

Love Bristol but I'm on pins and needles thru that whole race. I just hate to see my FORD DRIVERS get into trouble and one or more of them may just do that.. Got fingers and toes crossed LOL;) Wind or what ever just does not justify it for me. Just an excuse IMO. Everyone is responsible for their actions regardless. Luckily no harm this time. Next time just scares the heck out of me. :(


BTW DeeDee are yoiu going to Bristol?
I wish!!! :D
I've been to Bristol, just not under race conditions. AWESOME track!!! I can only brag that I have had the chance of standing on track while visiting on vacation ..... before they re-surfaced it. :) It's on my tip 5 list to go there for a race!!! If I get to any tracks this season, It will be Road America. I LOVE road courses! Not sure which I love more ... Short track or Roads ;)

[yatesracing]

Wind or what ever just does not justify it for me. Just an excuse IMO. Everyone is responsible for their actions regardless. Luckily no harm this time. Next time just scares the heck out of me. :(


I wish!!! :D
I've been to Bristol, just not under race conditions. AWESOME track!!! I can only brag that I have had the chance of standing on track while visiting on vacation ..... before they re-surfaced it. :) It's on my tip 5 list to go there for a race!!! If I get to any tracks this season, It will be Road America. I LOVE road courses! Not sure which I love more ... Short track or Roads ;)Been to Dover and Pocono. Love short tracks but Road courses not to sure about. When I move to Maryland ,near my daughters , my first race will be Bristol than Dover.

[DeeDee]

:cool:

You should also make a point of going to Richmond! :D Great Track!!!!!

[yatesracing]

Your right Dee never thought of Richmond. Senility setting in LOL

[mattemmy99]

I had a customer come into the pharmacy yesterday,and he is an Edwards fan..First he said,"Carl got suspended for three weeks"...and I go "NO,he was put on probation for three weeks"...he goes "ohhhhhh"...then he told me a story about Brad..Said he was in the pits for a race in Milwaukee I believe,can't remember what series,but said Brad was there,and said after the race,Brad walked up to the winner,and just started screaming at him...So it seems Brad needs that "class" Carl had to take a few years ago,after his "run in" with Matt....LOL~

[RacingDude]

Seems like the whole world now hates Brad. :lol:

OK, that's obviously not true, but mostly everyone here does. ;)

[mattemmy99]

LOL DAVID...and We know you LOVE you Brad....Glad your on,to defend your driver...LOL~

[yatesracing]

Nayyyyyyyy, I just think he's a wise guy that needed someone or two to teach him a lesson. Hamlin tried but it didn't work. Lets hope this one has registered. BTW should talk to a few of the NW drivers more than one can give you a BRAD INCIDENT.

[Dog]

at RNO Carl was the bad guy for the first couple of days, but I held my ground and as the time went on there are more that agree with me now (atleast the part of no suspension)

[RacingDude]

Brad isn't my #1 driver; Carl always will hold that spot as long as he races. The thing I like about both is that they're not afraid to trade paint and also pay someone back when they've been done wrong.

[TeamBlueOval]

Brad doesn't really give paybacks. He starts the feuds that CAUSE the payback. ;)

[yatesracing]

Brad doesn't really give paybacks. He starts the feuds that CAUSE the payback. ;)A great One-Liner