Busch penalised for Dover incident

Busch crashed with Tony Stewart on lap 270 of the Nextel Cup race at Dover International Raceway last Sunday and then pitted beside Stewart's car, almost crashing into him and nearly running over the No. 20 team's jack-man, who was inspecting the damage on the car after the incident on the track.

The 2004 Nextel Cup champion was not allowed by NASCAR officials to return to the track after the incident, but the punishment for his actions now includes the loss of 100 championship driver and car owner points, a fine of $100,000 USD, and a probation period until December 31st 2007.

"I regret the incident that occurred at Dover and apologize to NASCAR, my sponsors, the fans, my Penske Racing team and Joe Gibbs Racing," Busch said in a statement from his team.

"I understand that safety is crucial to the sport and I accept the points penalty, fine and probation that NASCAR has imposed on me."

As a result of the penalties, Kurt Busch now drops from 11th place in the standings to 17th, just behind his Penske teammate Ryan Newman.