NASCAR’s history of race penalties, punishments for wrecks

In a series born via the exploits of bootleggers and outlaws, NASCAR’s history is unsurprisingly steeped in decades of contact and drivers pushing the limits of what may be deemed acceptable.  There’s almost an expectation to see occasional bump and runs, or a driver full-throttle against the wall to escape playoff elimination. But bumpin’ or rubbin’ or wreckin’ is not always racing, and NASCAR officials have stepped in a few times over the years to set things a bit more straight on track, even if it means placing their best players in the penalty box.

But when or where that line crossed hasn’t always been consistent. There have been numerous questionable moments that have gone completely unpunished. The 2010s actually began with NASCAR’s infamous “Boys have at it” policy, encouraging drivers to settle the score between themselves. It quickly fell apart when Brad Keselowski was sent flying upside down at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The following season, the series parked Kyle Busch for the weekend after he right-hooked NASCAR Truck Series contender Ron Hornaday Jr. into the outside wall, while under caution. NASCAR abandoned its “have at it” policy after that season, yet, drivers have managed to continue about intentionally taking out the competition. Here’s a selected sample of those incidents and when NASCAR decidedly put their foot down on reckless driving.

2012 Phoenix – The fury of a patient man

Background: Jeff Gordon was furious with Clint Bowyer after he made a three-wide move for the win at Martinsville, resulting in wrecking Gordon and costing the NASCAR legend what could have been Hendrick Motorsports’ 200th Cup win. Jimmie Johnson would later earn that milestone victory for HMS at Darlington.

Incident: Gordon was seething, and one should beware the fury of a patient man. The run-ins continued and eight months later, at the penultimate race of the season, Bowyer was in contention for the championship when Gordon hooked him head-on into the wall. An all-out brawl ensued and Bowyer’s opportunity to challenge for the title was essentially extinguished. 

Penalty: Gordon was docked 25 points, fined $100,000, and placed on probation.

2015 Martinsville – An eye for an eye makes NASCAR take action

Background: In NASCAR’s current version of the playoffs, you win and you’re in. That’s even more important during the playoffs…