NASCAR: Tough Decision

NASCAR officials met at the NASCAR R&D center today to discuss the incident with Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski.

The seriousness of the on track event is going to weigh heavily on the minds of those who must levy punishment.

It is hard to imagine Carl Edwards will not face a severe penalty.

NASCAR powers find themselves in a difficult situation.  With the recent announcement of "letting the boys have at it" and allowing more bumping and banging during races, where do they draw the line?

After the incident during the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta, Edwards was told to park the car immediately.  He did after going the wrong way down pit road which is another no, no.

Officials from NASCAR, Robin Pemberton, VP of competition and Mike Helton were said to have spoken to Edwards in the NASCAR trailer.

Edwards has admitted he wanted to take out Brad, but just did not intend for the car to go airborne.

This is where the decision for the powers that be becomes one of great importance.

Edwards planned retaliation, even though he was down 150 laps plus and Keselowski was running sixth would appear to be out of line.

He missed his first attempt, but hit his mark the second time.  One could say he used his car as a weapon to cause harm to another at speeds in excess of 180 mph.

Others say Brad had it coming to him, so that would make Edward's action legitimate.  This was no racing incident.  The intent of Edwards was pure retaliation.

Perhaps Carl should have confronted Brad man to man in a heated discussion.  He would have been better off throwing a few punches at the Penske driver.  In the days of old school racing it would have been the thing to do.  His penalty would probably have been lighter as well if one was even levied.

NASCAR has suspended drivers for much less than the subject at hand.  To assess a monetary fine to Edwards and/or his car owner is a mute point.  They have a lot of money.

Taking away points from the driver is basically insignificant at this point in the season for Edwards.

The only meaningful penalty is suspension, but what are the caveats that go with such a decision?

NASCAR will have to live with the tough decision they make.  Yes, they can change the rules should it become necessary.

If they come down hard on Edwards it may cause drivers to really watch their on track maneuvers, thus back to boredom.

If they don't serve up a serious plate of penalty, drivers will feel they have license to retaliate when the mood strikes should their tempers get the best of them.

NASCAR drivers are highly paid professionals.  Self-policing should be the policy and hopefully drivers will handle it appropriately.

Edwards crossed the line drawn by NASCAR.

Late Tuesday afternoon the announcement should be made by NASCAR.  We can only hope they do the right thing for the sport, the drivers and the fans.

Stay tuned...................