Matt Kenseth celebrates victory in the Sprint Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway in September (Photo: Jonathan Moore/Getty Images for NASCAR)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Matt Kenseth has been suspended or the next two series events by the sanctioning body for intentionally wrecking Joey Logano during Sunday’s series event at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
NASCAR announced the penalty late Tuesday afternoon.
A release from NASCAR read as follows: “Matt Kenseth, the driver of the No. 20 car, has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during the Nov. 1 race at Martinsville Speedway. This is a Behavioral Penalty (Sections 12.1, 12.8). Kenseth has been suspended from NASCAR through the completion of the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events and placed on NASCAR probation for a six-month period following issuance of the penalty notice.”
“Based upon our extensive review, we have concluded that the No. 20 car driver, who is no longer in the Chase, intentionally wrecked the No. 22 car driver, a Chase-eligible competitor who was leading the race at the time,” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer said in the release. “The No. 20 car was nine laps down, and eliminated the No. 22 car’s opportunity to continue to compete in the race.
“Additionally, we factored aspects of safety into our decision, and also the fact that the new Chase elimination format puts a premium on each and every race. These actions have no place in NASCAR.”
Shortly after the announcement, Joe Gibbs Racing, which fields Kenseth’s car, released at statement stating Kenseth would appeal the penalty.
“The appeal will challenge the severity of the penalty which is believe to be inconsistent with previous penalties for similar on-track incidents,” read the statement from Joe Gibbs Racing.
Series officials also announced that Danica Patrick was $50,000 and penalized 25 championship points for intentionally wrecking David Gilliland during Sunday’s event at Martinsville.
Should have been more, 2 races this year and Daytona next year. That would stop these kind of actions in the future.
The tour has turned into a joke. No doubt attendance will continue to go down. Motorsports is shot ting itself in the foot at every level.
Nascar wants to penalize Kenseth with a 2 race suspension… fine but where is the suspension for Edwards for dumping Earnhardt at Talladaga ? that just about put Earnhardt out of the chase or at least made it very difficult for him. They should look at themself for creating this problem by not dealing with this issue. I don’t feel sorry for Logano, you live by the bumper you die by the bumper Matt just picked the best time for his revenge and took the Logano out of the chase, I would give Kenseth a prize for what he did
You can’t expect anything from nascar.Ryan Preece should have handled Coby on his own just exactly like Kenseth did.Thats how its always been handled.They will appeal and whatever happens will be worth it.Its the only way to have respect. Racing moves don’t include dumping no matter the division your racing in.
He will appeal it down to one race and it will be game on at Phoenix and don’t think Nascar doesn’t want that. Must see TV!! If Logano wasn’t a girl he could have taken care of all this in turn 2. The whole Cup series is a bunch of pansies, Harvick being the worst. Kenseth doesn’t pull that if if thought he was going to get his tail handed to him. Spencer or Dale Sr would have knocked Kenseth into next week.
Jerry F , you sound like a typical Jr Nation idiot. The entire racing world revolves around that no talent mumbling idiot. Get a clue and don’t drink while commenting.
Hey Art,
Get over it! Every comment of yours is poor Ryan. Loudon was Sept. 26….. Preece had two more races to earn the championship, and he didn’t do it. Plus, now Preece is done with Coby and the tour and runs with the big boys! How is that working out? After his four races in the 98 car, judging by the way he jumped the curb at Martinsville, maybe Joie Chitwood will give him a call.
Gee Paul ,I am so disappointed that Preece hasn’t won yet and now that he won’t be sweeping the four races i guess he’s done!Poor Ryan. Chitwood is a better option than landscaping though.Have a good winter and enjoy the silly season.
This is just another case of NACSCAR being consistently inconsistent with their punishment! What a joke!
logano SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kenseth lost his appeal.Look closely at the appeal board.One guy is the promoter for BOWMAN GRAY,are u kidding me.lmao,that is way funny.
If this isn’t penalized, then NASCAR will turn into a weekly demolition derby.