Kyle Busch Suspended: Is Probation Punishment Justified or Too Harsh?

Kyle Busch earned and deserved his harsh suspension and probation. His blatant spin-out of Ron Hornaday Jr. went way over the line, and absolutely needed to send Busch a message.

The Incident

Busch was battling for second with Ron Hornaday Jr. in truck race Friday night at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Hornaday initiated contact with Busch. His tactics were clearly over the line, and Busch had every right to be upset.

However, Busch crossed an even bigger line while seeking retribution.

Busch clearly lost touch with reality and consequence as he consumed with anger. You can hear his crew chief pleading with Busch to keep his cool, but those pleas fell upon deaf ears.

The Suspension

NASCAR then decided to rightfully park Busch for the entire weekend.

NASCAR president Mike Helton, as quoted by Terry Blount on ESPN.com:

"

"After a good deal conversation and discussion, NASCAR decided to maintain the parked position for the balance of the weekend. Kyle will not be participating today [Saturday] and tomorrow in Texas."

"

NASCAR has since ruled that Busch could race in the final two races of the season, but that he would do so under probation.

The probation is certainly warranted. If Busch can't keep it together for two races following this incident he is in need of a serious suspension and counseling before resuming his career.

Busch's Apology

Busch has been busy saying all the right things since this incident. He released an open letter of apology on his website. In that letter he included a statement that he understood the punishment.

"

"I understand why I was taken out of the car for the rest of the weekend. NASCAR officials had to act, and I accept their punishment and take full responsibility for my actions."

"

The Reaction

Busch's actions and subsequent suspension have sparked a lot of Twitter activity. Even from fellow drivers like Jeff Gordon.

There is concern that this suspension is sending the wrong message.

And that the punishment was not harsh enough.

People are also not interested in being Kyle Busch apologists.

Peter Fournier points out the precarious position that Busch's probation puts him in for the remainder of the season.

Conclusion

NASCAR acted quickly and correctly in this case. They sent a strong message to Busch, and the suspension officially ended his small hopes at winning the Sprint Chase for the Cup.

Busch needs to learn to get his anger in check. It is ruining his career. This suspension is a start. Car owner Joe Gibbs needs to take the next step.

He should mandate that Busch seeks anger management counseling if he wants to stay with the team.

Busch is clearly a talented driver, but he is continually undone by his anger issues. He is not likely to seek the help needed to address these issues on his own. Now is the time for people to force him to get this help—before it is too late.