Kenseth/Harvick fined for clash at Pocono

POCONO, Pa. - Sunday's race at Pocono Raceway seemed more like a short track race in Richmond, than a 2.5-speedway event in the picturesque Pocono Mountains. Under the final yellow flag of the event, a virtual soap opera was playing out between the No. 17 Roush Ford of Matt Kenseth and the No. 29 RCR Chevy of Kevin Harvick.

Kenseth and Harvick were battling for tenth position prior to the caution flag being displayed. As the two slowed coming out of turn four to take the yellow, Harvick spun Kenseth into the grass.

Kenseth, often mislabeled as NASCAR's "good boy", was not amused.

As they approached the flag stand, Kenseth got his retribution, by spinning Harvick. In his usual take no responsibility style, Harvick tried to brush off the conflict.

"I don't know what his deal is," said Harvick of the rumble. "I raced him clean and cleared him and he got up underneath and tore my back bumper. Then under caution he brake-checked me and spun himself out. I don't know why he decided to try and wreck me. He needs to check his ego because it's getting too big."

Both racers were spoken to by NASCAR officials after the race, and were penalized positions. Kenseth originally finished 10th, but was dropped to 20th and Harvick had finished 11th, but was repositioned to 21st.

"It boils down to a frustration level between the 17 (Kenseth) and the 29 (Harvick) that got played out on the racetrack, under caution, and that's something we frown on ...greatly," NASCAR President Mike Helton said.

NASCAR announced Tuesday that in response to the incident both drivers have been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until August 11th.