Jeff Gordon Fined $100,000, Docked 25 Points For Wrecking Clint Bowyer

Jeff Gordon has been fined $100,000, docked 25 points, and placed on probation after he intentionally wrecked Clint Bowyer with seven laps to go during Sunday’s NASCAR race.

The fine and penalty were handed out to Gordon on Monday night, and, while it is not surprising, it is likely disappointing to those who felt the driver of the number 24 deserved a suspension, reports Yahoo! Sports.

Gordon ignored a black flag for his car and altered the championship battle by taking out Bowyer — one of the championship contenders.

But unlike Kyle Busch, who was suspended for a similar incident, the Hendrick Motorsports driver doesn’t have a track record for ignoring authority. NASCAR VP of competition Robin Pemberton stated of the punishment:

“There’s no doubt that a unique set of circumstances combined with a championship battle on the line resulted in raw emotions coming into play. We consider the penalties appropriate and those involved understand our decision and we expect them to abide by them.”

ESPN notes that Jeff Gordon has since issued an apology for intentionally wrecking Clint Bowyer. Gordon stated:

“I take responsibility for my actions on the racetrack. I accept NASCAR’s decision and look forward to ending the season on a high note at Homestead.”

Michael Waltrip Racing, the owner of Bowyer’s car, has also apologized for the brawl that ensued after Gordon got out of his wrecked race car. Bowyer’s crew chief was fined $25,000 for failing to keep his crew in line during the altercation. The statement by Michael Waltrip Racing read:

“Though we generally cannot control certain actions on the track, the unfortunate reactions off the track Sunday did not live up to the professional standards in which Michael Waltrip Racing expects all of its representatives to live by.”

Along with the fine and points loss, Jeff Gordon and his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, have been placed on probation for the remainder of the year.