No Points Penalty for Keselowski after BoA 500

By Ron Lemasters Jr.

CONCORD, N.C. -- Well, you kind of knew what the penalties would be from Saturday night's Bank of America 500. On Tuesday, NASCAR confirmed them.

NASCAR fined Brad Keselowski $50,000 and placed him on probation for the next four races. NASCAR also fined Tony Stewart $25,000 and placed him on probation for those same four races.

Both drivers were punished for violating the following NASCAR rules:

" Section 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing

" Section 12-4.9: Behavioral penalty -- involved in post-race incidents

"These penalties are about maintaining a safe environment following the race," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR senior vice president, competition and racing development. "We knew that the new Chase format was likely going to raise the intensity level and we want our drivers to continue to be themselves. However, the safety of our drivers, crew members, officials, and workers is paramount and we will react when that safety could be compromised."

In other words, no point penalties were assessed, and the Chase continues this weekend at Talladega unimpeded by lingering doubts about who will advance to the Eliminator round.

Interestingly, neither Denny Hamlin nor Matt Kenseth was fined for post-race incidents, which were limited to posturing, scuffling and name-calling.