Busch, Edwards placed on probation

Officials announced on Wednesday that both drivers will be on probation starting with next weekend's race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana and for the next six weeks, which means their actions will be under NASCAR's microscope during the first four races of the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

On the cool-down lap at the end of Saturday's race, Busch crashed the side of his car against Edwards in retaliation for the latter's move to bump him out of the lead, to which the Roush Fenway driver swiftly responded, by spinning points leader Busch.

The whole incident was deemed by NASCAR to be detrimental to stock car racing, leading to the penalties that add some spice to what's shaping up like an interesting new rivalry.

"It's NASCAR's decision and their discretion," said Kyle Busch on Saturday night following the race when asked if he expected any penalties being levied due to their incident.

"He spun me out. So I just, you know, got into him a little bit and let him know that I didn't appreciate the way he passed me and he retaliated and ended up spinning me out. So, couldn't tell you."

Busch will lead the points standing entering the series' 'playoff' in two weeks followed by Edwards. Between the two they have won fourteen of the twenty-four events contested thus far and last weekend they led all but one lap of the race at Bristol.

"Rivalries are just fine," said Edwards about his rivalry with Busch. "It's fun to watch. You know, I know as a fan of other sports, it's always neat when there's something going on, some story behind the scenes. But for me this doesn't change anything.

"We just have to go to California and win, and you know, you just kind of have to keep that in the back of your mind."