Tuesday Feb. 12, 2008
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart will be
under the microscope for the first six races of the new NASCAR
season. That's the length of a probation handed both former Cup
champions for their on-track confrontation on Friday night. It
begins with Sunday's Daytona 500.
The two drivers wrecked in practice and then carried it into the
NASCAR officials' trailer. It's widely believed that Stewart
punched Busch but no one will confirm or deny the speculation.
A NASCAR spokesman says the two were disciplined solely for the
on-track portion of their clash, when the drivers deliberately used
their cars as battering rams.
NASCAR officials came into this season saying drivers would be
given more latitude to show emotion this year, and the relatively
light nature of today's punishments would seem to support that.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)