Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards are ranked one and two in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings, respectively, which has elevated their feud to the next level. After NASCAR fined the drivers for their latest run-in, Edwards and the Roush Fenway team have decided to accept the consequences.
Edwards announced during a media session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway that he does not intend to appeal NASCAR’s imposed penalty against himself and Keselowski. Roush Fenway team owner Jack Roush, in support of his driver, also has decided not to appeal his owner’s penalty.
According to ESPN.com, Edwards was docked 60 Nationwide Series driver points, fined $25,000 and placed on probation, along with Keselowski, through Dec. 21 for his involvement in Saturday’s incident at Gateway International Raceway. Roush was docked 60 owner points for the episode.
Edwards and Keselowski were battling for the lead during the final lap of the Nationwide Dodge Dealers 250 when Edwards spun Keselowski out of control and into the wall, creating what turned into a 10-car mess.
Edwards went on to win the race, while Keselowski finished 14th.
The two drivers have had similar run-ins before, including at Talladega in 2009 and in Atlanta earlier this season.
Following the race, Edwards told ESPN.com that he was not the aggressor in the most recent incident, while Keselowski said that Edwards acted the way he did because Keselowski had figured out a way to beat him.
Nevertheless, the two will most likely have to cut back on any high-risk maneuvers in the future, despite NASCAR telling its drivers to "have at it, boys."
"We have been and remain supportive of Carl and his reaction to what happened between him and Brad on the final lap at Gateway," Roush said of the team’s decision not to appeal. "Carl felt he did what was appropriate at the time, but upon reflection, he understands why NASCAR felt they needed to step in and temper the situation with him and Brad."
The two drivers will next race on Saturday at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis, where Edwards is the defending champion. Roush Fenway has posted two career Nationwide Series wins at the venue, and four NASCAR wins overall.
Keselowski remains in first place in the Nationwide Series standings with 3042 points, while Edwards is currently in second with 2814.
