NASCAR Fines Keselowski, Stewart

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In the wake of post-race actions in Saturday’s Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR announced sanctions for drivers Brad Keselowski and Tony Stewart on Tuesday.

Keselowski, who is competing for the season-long title in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, received a $50,000 fine. He will be on probation through the next four races. The probation ends just before the season-ending race in South Florida.

Stewart, who is not in the Chase, was fined $25,000 and handed a four-race probation.

“These penalties are about maintaining a safe environment following the race,” NASCAR senior vice president of competition and racing development Robin Pemberton said in a statement. “We knew that the new Chase format was likely going to raise the intensity level and we want our drivers to continue to be themselves. However, the safety of our drivers, crew members, officials, and workers is paramount and we will react when that safety could be compromised.”

Keselowski attempted to spin Denny Hamlin’s car after the checkered flag, then rammed Matt Kenseth’s car. Stewart, caught in the action between the other drivers, backed into Keselowski’s car, wrecking the front end.

Hamlin and Kenseth were not penalized.

In the current standings, Hamlin is seventh, Kenseth is ninth and Keselowski is 10th. Only the top eight will remain in the Chase after Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway.