NASCAR Fight Fine: Money Well Spent by Richard Childress

Controversy surrounds the actions of Richard Childress vs. Kyle Busch and the ensuing fine assessed by NASCAR, but rest assured, Childress will have a smirk on his face when he signs that check for $150,000.

Kyle Busch finally tipped the balance of reason for team owner Richard Childress with his latest antics on the cool down lap of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway.

Childress acknowledged he is a man of principles with great passion for his drivers, the teams and the sponsors. He also admitted that passion got the best of him when he went after Busch.

Perhaps it wasn't the most shining moment for Childress when he handed his pricey watch to his grandson and headed for the confrontation that ended with Busch in a headlock and taken to the ground.

There is a good chance Busch could have diffused the situation, especially since he is on probation, but likely, one of his famous, not-so-smart remarks triggered the physical altercation.

Encounters between Busch and RCR drivers are nothing knew. They just don't like one another and Busch knew he was going to ruffle some feathers when he put a wheel to RCR driver, Joey Coulter's truck after the end of the race.

There are two camps of people with strong opinions on this incident.

Some feel Childress should have been suspended from a few races in addition to the fine. They also feel it makes NASCAR look like a bunch of rowdy good 'ole boys who like to fight, and the sport was degraded by his actions.

The other camp cheers for the 65-year-old, top-tier team owner who was just plain sick of Busch tearing up his equipment. They cheer for the baby boomer taking on the youngin' who has a bit of an attitude.

NASCAR got extensive media coverage over this incident. Perhaps they should be writing the check to Childress for the exposure that likely drew in some casual fans and entertained the die-hards.

Team owners are held to a higher standard than drivers who are encouraged to "have at it." Was Childress wrong to go after Busch? Absolutely, but who better to settle the score than the boss.

NASCAR had to set a precedent with probation and the unusually hefty fine they levied against Childress. For the North Carolina businessman and multi-millionaire, it was petty cash he will pay personally.

Childress is old school at heart. His beliefs hark back to the roots of NASCAR, and his drivers have been known for their hard-charging ways.

Fans were seeking more action and personality with drivers. They wanted excitement and storylines that were interesting.

Well folks, the 2011 NASCAR season has shown all the facets needed to rally interest in the sport, and the pre-Chase season is only half over.

Childress and his aggressive action with Busch is but one of those storylines.

Whether it was good or bad for the sport can be debated, but for the owner of Richard Childress Racing, that whopper fine was money well spent.