As far as the fines were concerned, NASCAR was making it crystal clear. Do not and I mean do not mess with this Gen-6 car whatsoever. I think the points and fine were justified, it’s a huge hit to Penske Racing, but the seven-race suspension including the non-points all-star event at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the crew chiefs, car chiefs, engineers and team manager, that’s monstrous. If Brad was mad on Saturday night after the race, I’d hate to be around him now.
Adam Niemeyer: Boy was Brad angry about this. Logano looked quite scared that he was going to miss the start of the race, which I’m not sure has ever happened in the 20 years I’ve been following the sport. After calling out Hendrick Motorsports last year for their rear-end stagger it seems that Keselowski was quite unhappy to see his cars being targeted for the same thing.
The penalties assessed on Wednesday to the teams at Penske were a warning to all other teams: Don’t mess with the car or the hammer will drop. I think NASCAR just used Penske—rightly or wrongly—as an example that you can’t mess with this car.
AnnMarie Strawhand: I am happy for him. I think he is in a good place with his life and coming back in a positive way – using his talents now as a more established and mature driver. When you get on a roll and get momentum more good will keep coming from it.
Lori Tyler: Pushing the envelope is part of the crew’s job. However, failing pre-race inspection may cause the powers that be to keep a watchful eye throughout the weekend. In the end, much of the innovation that has been discovered in this sport was by teams pushing that envelope to get every edge from the car it is capable of. NASCAR must also do their job, as well to maintain a level playing field. Judging from the weight of the penalties levied against both teams, they made their point perfectly clear!
• NASCAR CEO Brian France stated Monday morning on Fox Business that NASCAR will not penalize Brad Keselowski for his vocal opinions following the Cup race on Saturday night. Do you agree with NASCAR or not? Does Denny Hamlin have a right to be upset?
Ross Bynum: I’m 100% against censorship. NASCAR should analyze the criticism to help make the series better vs. trying to stomp it out. I think Denny should still be mad he was penalized in the first place no matter what Brad does or says. I also think NASCAR might’ve learned that trying to suffocate differing opinions is a PR and media backlash nightmare.
Erin Crocker: I agree that Brad should not be penalized for stating his opinions on things. With that said, I don’t think Denny should have been penalized for sharing his opinions. Very inconsistent. I think Denny has a right to be upset.
Chris Knight: I listened to the interview very clearly and I totally understand the difference that Brian France mentioned between product (car) and sanctioning body, but NASCAR is so turbulent in who is fined, who isn’t and the types of scenarios, it’s enough to give you a headache. I just would like to see some consistency from their platform, so drivers, teams, etc. don’t have to sit and ponder on what the consequences will be.
Drivers in the past have criticized NASCAR and have been fined. What makes it different for Brad Keselowski? Is it because he is a champion? If that’s the case, that’s sad and wrong. Moving forward, NASCAR has to take a stand.
This isn’t the last time we’ll be talking about NASCAR, their inconsistences and fines this season, trust me.
Adam Niemeyer: France made it clear that he disagrees with Keselowski’s view, and also made it clear that Keselowski was not bashing the race car itself but was just unhappy with the sanctioning body. Because of these reasons Hamlin shouldn’t be upset that Keselowski won’t be fined, but I’m sure this is another instance of NASCAR’s wishy-washy rules being confusing for all people.
AnnMarie Strawhand: Interesting that this was stated on a “Business” show. NASCAR is a huge corporate business, and we all need to remember this. Just like an unruly or disgruntled employee in a large high profile company, NASCAR has to handle these situations just like a large corporation would, with good PR and reeling in drivers who are getting unfavorably vocal behind closed doors for the good of the sake of the business. Fans may not agree, but this is corporate America, and NASCAR is simply handling this as any corporation would.
They have already had one of these “talks” with Brad earlier this season about his comments for a USA Today Article. They cannot penalize him for speaking his mind, but they can continue to help him understand how they view his reactions and how that can only make things deteriorate with their relationship – I am sure NASCAR wants to have all good relationships with their champions and have them always represent them and themselves in a positive light.
Lori Tyler: I get why Keselowski would be upset. However, rules are rules. He doesn’t get to play by his own set. NASCAR has a job to do, just as the drivers and crews do. Either play within those rules, or go home. It really is that simple. As far as the decision not to fine him goes, I agree with Brian France’s statements. These drivers are allowed to have an opinion, even if they are stated in the heat of the moment, and may or may not be factually accurate.
As far as Hamlin goes, maybe if I were him, I would be upset. However, at this point, if I were Denny, my entire focus would be on healing, and returning to the sport ASAP.
