Over the line?

I'm all for good, hard racing. And bumping is just a part of it.

HOWEVER...

You can take the intentional "love tap" too far, and Carl Edwards did just that Sunday in Atlanta. Yes, let the other guy know you didn't appreciate his bump but don't take him out when he's racing in the top 10 and you're running, oh, I don't know, 150 laps down!

Last May, in conversation with Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition, he said he could tell a driver's intentions during an incident. There are so many cameras in, on and around the cars, you can see it in their eyes, Robin said.

Well, not only did the veep see Cousin Carl's intent, but so did the entire FOX viewing audience.

In a similar battle last season, Carl and Kyle Busch had a tet-a-tet on-track. I don't recall the race but it was during the waning laps for the win as Mr. Fitness took out the Vegas Kid.

I'll admit to a chuckle or two when asked post race about that one as Carl said yes, yes I hit him. If the situation was turned around, he (Kyle) would have done the same thing. Edwards has also wrecked his own teammates. Just how stupid is that? And how costly to Roush-Fenway in terms of money and morale? Do you think his teammates trust him to have their backs or help them during races?

Carl obviously knows his anger is showing because he admits to his deeds.

And we talk about Tony Stewart's temper? Well, OK, Tony's temper is pretty famous, smacking tape recorders and cameras from reporters' hands. But how long before Carl Edwards takes that next step? Although he said it was all in jest and fun last season, he drew back a fist on teammate Matt Kenseth, if you recall. Matt didn't seem to think Carl was joking in the least.

I'm not suggesting for one minute to stop bumping and banging, but use the gray matter inside your skull. Realize the futility of some retaliations at that moment and just be patient.

Or, just wail on each other as soon as you get out of the car. What the heck, get the pit crews involved, too. Although, #99 versus anyone in a physical fight probably isn't exactly a fair fight. (Note to any opponent, don't take off your helmet.)

Now the question for NASCAR is, since you said let 'em have at it on the track, how far is too far and where are you going to draw that line? Was this the extreme? Or just the front end of the infraction? You have set a standard for punishment, so what about the next guy and what if Edwards does it again? A three-race probation for this incident? Is that severe enough, or is it merely a tap on the hand?

Just think everyone, Bristol is the next race on the schedule. Oughta be a good one.