NASCAR slams Busch and Penske

NASCAR announced Friday that Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 2 Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series, has been penalized 100 championship driver points, fined $100,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2007, for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing — reckless driving; endangering a crew member on pit road) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book.

Car owner Roger Penske has also been penalized with the loss of 100 championship owner points due to his driver's infraction.

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

The penalty drops Busch from 11th in the championship standings to a tie with Bobby Labonte for 18th at 720 points behind leader Jeff Gordon.

The violation occurred on pit road during the race at Dover International Speedway on June 4.