Kyle Busch used a slur after Martinsville Speedway; NASCAR requires him to take sensitivity training
Tensions ran high after the race at Martinsville Speedway. The playoff elimination finale for the NASCAR Cup Series brought the drama to the half-mile short track, as expected.
After the race, multiple drivers were involved in post-race altercations. Most notably, race winner Alex Bowman and Denny Hamlin traded paint at the finish line, after the race.
Related: Denny Hamlin runs into Alex Bowman after Martinsville win (Videos)
However, there was another altercation in the battle for 2nd. Kyle Busch and his lifetime enemy, Brad Keselowski battled in the closing laps. Off turn four for the final time, Keselowski got into the left rear of Busch and put the No. 18 in the wall.
After the crossed the finish line, Kyle Busch turned into Keselowski, spinning himself out in the process. In post race interviews, Kyle Busch was heated.
Related: Kyle Busch uses slur after Martinsville; Driver issues apology (Video)
NASCAR reacted to the comments on Monday, just over 24 hours after the race.
Busch is now required to take sensitivity training ahead of the 2022 season. There was no fine attached to the penalty.
That’s a penalty consistent with former uses of the same word. Hailie Deegan used the same word during an online stream in January and was required to complete the same class.
Related: NASCAR reprimands Kyle Busch following Martinsville comments
Joe Gibbs comments on the penalty to Kyle Busch
Since NASCAR issued the reprimand, the owner of the No. 18 has commented…
“I think Kyle knows he should not have used that word,” Gibbs told the AP. “I think NASCAR’s response to it is appropriate.”
Kyle Busch has stated that he’s struggled with the new NASCAR format. In most race weekends, practice is excluded from the schedule. Teams need to unload with a fast car instead of tuning it over multiple practices leading up to the race.
“We need to do a better job of giving Kyle what it takes in a car,” Gibbs added.
“Then, of course, he has to look at himself. He tries to analyze. I know Kyle does that. He gets frustrated. He’s extremely competitive.”
Gibbs concluded, “But I know that he does a good job of what can he do to do a better job next year.”
Related: Brad Keselowski comments on the word used by Busch
Related: NASCAR driver Kyle Busch fined $50,000
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Brad Keselowski | Kyle Busch | Martinsville Speedway | NASCAR
