Childress fined $150,000, placed on probation for punching Kyle Busch at Kansas
First of all, I'm responsible for my actions, plain and simple. As you know, I am a very principled person and have a passion for what we do at Richard Childress Racing. I believe passionately in defending my race teams and my sponsor partners. In this instance, I let that passion and my emotions get the best of me. I accept the penalty NASCAR announced today and, as a company, we will now focus on this week's races at Pocono Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.
06/06/11 NASCAR team owner Richard Childress was fined $150,000 and placed on probation Monday for punching Kyle Busch multiple times in the Camping World Truck Series garage at Kansas Speedway Saturday.
Childress, the owner of Richard Childress Racing, was placed on probation through Dec. 31 for “actions detrimental to NASCAR" and for being involved in an altercation in the garage. The probation applies to all NASCAR series.
“The penalty we have announced today for Richard Childress reflects NASCAR’s response to the incident at Kansas Speedway on Saturday," a statement by NASCAR said. “We feel this action is appropriate and are confident all parties involved understand our position on this matter and will move forward appropriately."
Childress did not apologize for the incident but explained his actions in a statement released after the penalties were issued Monday.
“First of all, I'm responsible for my actions, plain and simple," Childress said in a statement issued by his team. “As you know, I am a very principled person and have a passion for what we do at Richard Childress Racing. I believe passionately in defending my race teams and my sponsor partners. In this instance, I let that passion and my emotions get the best of me. I accept the penalty NASCAR announced today and, as a company, we will now focus on this week's races at Pocono Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway."
The 65-year-old owner can appeal the penalty.