Battles and consequences

After a period of relative calm, rebuilding his image and even being a kinder, gentler person, Kurt Busch has returned to his pre-Penske personality.

He’s been docked 100 driver points, fined $100,000 and put on probation for the rest of the season.

I have less problem with the on-track antics between him and Tony Stewart than when Busch deliberately drove to Smoke’s pit and nearly ran over a member of his crew. That’s where there’s a problem. Tony’s a pretty contentious guy, but I don’t think he’d pull that kind of stunt. He’s more likely to have a “discussion” with you or mouth off to the press post race.

Team Penske won’t appeal Busch’s punishment. And Roush-Fenway Racing folks must be secretly shaking their heads and saying “I told you so.”

In the other corner, the Indy Racing League, begins the battle of Danica Patrick and Dan Wheldon.

Danica had a little catfight (shoving) with Wheldon at Milwaukee after the race and Dan left his fighting to words (“spoiled brat”).

Despite the physical confrontation on Danica’s part, there was no official repercussion, no fine, no nothing.

Where’s justice?

Bottom line is both Busch and Patrick were unprofessional and endangered another person.

Now you may not think a shove is dangerous, but it is violence against another person. It may not be a two-ton mega-horsepower machine, but it’s still violence. And Wheldon shows great restraint, not just decking her in retaliation.

There should be some consequence for Danica Patrick, she shouldn’t be allowed to get by this time. Next time, and there WILL be a next time, it could escalate, as violence does.