Stewart, Busch on probation after Daytona incident

NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch have been put on probation for the first six races of 2008 as a result of their actions on the track and off it Friday night at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR officials announced the sanctions against the two former series champions Tuesday.

After an accident in Budweiser Shootout practice Friday, Busch rammed into Stewart's car three times as they slowed to enter the garage.

The two drivers met in the NASCAR hauler afterward, and sources allege that Stewart swung at Busch.

The drivers were placed on probation for "actions detrimental to stock-car racing – altercation with another competitor," NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communications Jim Hunter said Tuesday.

When asked if the probation was for on-track or off-track violations, NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said: "It's all of the above. … They're both responsible for their actions on and off the track. We had a closed-door meeting, and that will continue to be closed-door."