NASCAR punishes Hendrick crew over Gordon/Keselowski Texas brawl

Both Gordon and Keselowski sustained minor cuts and bruises when a fight broke out involving their crews after Gordon accosted Keselowski over an on-track clash between them.

Gordon's crew chief Alan Gustafson and Kahne's crew chief Kenny Francis received the highest penalties - $50,000 fines and probation for six races - under the NASCAR regulation that states that the "crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members". Both were also cited for behavioural penalties and actions detrimental to stock car racing.

Hendrick team members Jeremy Fuller, Dwayne Doucette and Jason Ingle have all received $25,000 fines, with Dean Mozingo given a $10,000 punishment. All four have been put on probation for three events.

VIDEO: TEXAS NASCAR BRAWL

NASCAR competition chief Robin Pemberton said that while the sanctioning body understood that emotions were running high during the championship showdown, the Texas violence went too far.

"While the intensity and emotions are high as we continue through the final rounds of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the actions that we saw from several crew members Sunday following the race at Texas are unacceptable," he said.

"We reviewed the content that was available to us of the post-race incident along pit road, and identified several crew members who crossed the line with their actions, specifically punching others.

"We therefore have penalised four crew members as well as their crew chiefs, as they ultimately are responsible for members of their team per the NASCAR rule book.

"A NASCAR championship is at stake, but we can't allow behaviour that crosses the line to go unchecked, particularly when it puts others in harm's way."

Team boss Rick Hendrick confirmed that there would be no appeal.

"Emotions run high when you're racing for a championship, and that's exciting for our fans and everyone involved with the sport. But there's a line the competitors need to be cognisant of, and we understand that," he said.

"Jeff was rightfully fired up Sunday night, and it just reiterated to me how passionate he is and how much he wants to win.

"The #24 team is a group that works together and is loyal to one another. They have our full support as we go into these final two races."

Keselowski and Gordon's collision occurred as they fought for second on a late restart.

While Keselowski continued to finish third, a resultant puncture dropped Gordon to 29th.

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