In response to Kurt Busch's actions after Saturday's Nationwide Series race at the Dover International Speedway, NASCAR has lowered the boom on the former Sprint Cup champion.
Busch has been suspended through June 13, meaning he will not be allowed to take part in this weekend's Pocono 400 at the Pocono Raceway. In addition, his probation has been extended through December 31st. Originally, Busch was placed on probation through July 25tth for his meltdown at last month's Southern 500.
This is Busch's first NASCAR-imposed suspension. He was suspended by then-team owner Jack Roush for the final two races of the 2005 season for a run-in with Maricopa County, AZ sheriff's deputies. Busch had already signed to leave Roush for Roger Penske after that season. He was released from Penske last December after a season of controversy culminated in him launching into a profanity laced tirade against ESPN pit reporter Dr. Jerry Punch.
Busch has driven the underfunded (compared to juggernauts like Roush and Penske) Chevrolets fielded by James Finch this season. He was 26th in the Sprint Cup standings leaving Dover, with just one top-10 finish to his credit. Busch had publicly stated prior to the season that he intended to "put the fun" back into racing and hopefully re-establish himself as a coveted talent. This latest incident no doubt deals a huge blow to that latter goal.