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I like Spencer and Busch, but Robbie Gordon saying Busch has an ass-kicking coming? Pot, Kettle, Black?

Pinging your way. I missed the post-race fun.

"Mr. Excitement" indeed.

This reminds me of an incident a few years ago when the person giving the command to start the race said it thusly:

"Gentlemen, and Jimmy Spencer, start your engines!"

Sums it up nicely.

"I went to a NASCAR race and a hockey game broke out!"

Between these two and Gordon and Harvick, Bristol should be a good race.

I think NASCAR should just let these guys do whatever they want. I was saying to my friend yesterday that I wish they never made Stewart go through all that anger management therapy. It was so much more fun watching his tempor flair.

If the owners don't like these drivers they wouldn't give them cars to drive.

NASCAR spoke with both drivers about the incident that occurred today.

NASCAR officials get their training from the WWE.

One came last August in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis. After Spencer hit Busch from behind, knocking him into the wall, Busch gestured at Spencer as he drove by and later called Spencer a "decrepit old has-been."

Actually, Busch said Spencer was A NEVER-WAS, which is entirely correct.

Response From Jimmy Spencer: The following is a statement from Jimmy Spencer in response to his suspension by NASCAR, which was announced today by news release: "I will always protect myself and my race team.. We are going to appeal the penalty, and we are going to do so in accordance to the NASCAR rulebook."(Ultra Motorpsorts PR)(8-18-2003)

On The Subject Of The Post-Race Assault On Kurt Busch:

The following statements are being issued by Roush Racing in connection with yesterday's assault by Jimmy Spencer on Roush Racing driver Kurt Busch. Geoff Smith, Roush Racing president: "Kurt Busch had an operation in December to correct a deviated septum. Because there is some concern that the blow Jimmy Spencer delivered has reinjured Kurt, he is undergoing a medical examination in order to evaluate the injury. We hope that Kurt has suffered no long term effects. We will issue an update on his condition after results have been received. We want to point out that only the Lenawee [Mich.] County District Attorney has the legal authority to press criminal charges against Jimmy Spencer for this assault. That decision does not reside in the hands of Kurt Busch, Jack Roush or any private citizen. That's the way the criminal justice system works and we all need to respect that process."

Kurt Busch on what happened: "I ran out of gas when I got into the garage area, and Jimmy Spencer ran into the back of my car. I was still in the car when he approached me with obvious anger. Words were exchanged, but I was still strapped in my seat with my helmet off when he struck me in the face. He broke my tooth and bloodied my nose."

Kurt Busch on Spencer's penalty: "I appreciate that NASCAR has recognized that Jimmy's assault went beyond the level of a "racing incident." I have been concerned by media comments characterizing Jimmy's involvement with me as a "rivalry," "duel" or "fight" all which carry a connotation that I actively participate in this type of behavior. Our racing Sunday was hard and clean. NASCAR's fine and suspension demonstrate and acknowledge for me their agreement that this was a unilateral assault which required serious punishment and for that I thank NASCAR."

Jack Roush: "It is incomprehensible to me that NASCAR used this incident to place Kurt Busch on probation. His only involvement in the "altercation" was to be the recipient of a blow struck by an individual that is twice his size. Drivers, as do others in the garage, often exchange heated words, and in my memory no one has even been penalized for words spoken in private to one another. We intend to promptly file an appropriate appeal against this penalty, although we have learned that the merits of an argument carry little weight in this particular form of appeal. On the other hand, I think that NASCAR's sanctions on Jimmy Spencer should be enough to give a sobering pause to any driver or other individual that might think the halo of competition can conceal an assault on any individual, whether on or off the race track. It is a step in the right direction. I hope that it is enough."(Roush Racing PRs)(8-18-2003)

Medical Condition Update On Kurt Busch" 5:10 P.M. Upon completion of his medical examination this afternoon, Kurt Busch issued the following regarding the extent of the injury he received from Jimmy Spencer.
"I have swelling on the left side of my face that is not expected to heal for three months. My breathing has been affected, and although it will not affect my ability to race, it will make breathing with helmet on more uncomfortable. I have been told that there is some tissue damage, and that there is a 15% chance that I will require reconstructive surgery to repair the damage. That assessment will not be made until the swelling dissipates."(Roush Racing PRs)(8-18-2003)

So who is in the #7 at Bristol? logical choice would be Ted Musgrave, who drivers for Ultra Motorsports in the Truck Seires and has driven the #07 Kenwood/Sirius Dodge in a few races the last few years for Smith. Also, not sure what happens with the appeal by Spencer. NASCAR has ten (10) days to hear the appeal. Not sure if while he appeals the suspension/fine if Spencer can race until it is resolved. Would expect NASCAR to hear the appeak quickly.(8-19-2003)