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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Gordon fined $100K for wrecking Bowyer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon avoided suspension Monday when NASCAR instead fined him $100,000 and docked him 25 points for intentionally wrecking Clint Bowyer at Phoenix International Raceway.
Gordon also was placed on probation through Dec. 31. But he'll be allowed to close out the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway despite his actions in Sunday's race, which triggered a fight in the garage area between the two drivers' crews.
"I take responsibility for my actions on the racetrack," Gordon said in a statement. "I accept NASCAR's decision and look forward to ending the season on a high note at Homestead."
The penalty drops Gordon to 11th in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship with one race remaining. He's now four points behind Martin Truex Jr. for 10th, and only the top-10 drivers have formal roles in the season-ending awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
Rick Hendrick also was docked 25 car owner points, and crew chief Alan Gustafson was placed on probation through the end of the year.
"I've always respected Jeff for standing his ground," said Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "We also respect that NASCAR needs to police the sport and send a message when situations like this occur. It's been a great year, and we're going to put our focus on finishing in a positive way this weekend."
Gordon intentionally slowed his car and waited for Bowyer on the track Sunday to wreck him on what was scheduled to be the final lap. There had been contact between the two a few laps earlier, and Gordon viewed it as the final straw in an apparently escalating on-track feud with Bowyer.
He said after the incident he was "fed up" with Bowyer, and had to take a stand Sunday and would wait to see how NASCAR responded.
"They've got to do what they've got to do, and I guess I had to do what I had to do," he said.
The accident collected Joey Logano and Aric Almirola, and happened right in front of championship contender Brad Keselowski, who had to weave his way around the carnage.
It also led to the brawl in the garage that began when Gordon appeared to be jumped from behind by a Michael Waltrip Racing team member. Gordon was grabbed by a Hendrick Motorsports crew member and pulled out of the fracas and into his team hauler.
-- The Associated Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 13, 2012 C8
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