NASCAR announced that it has fined Penske Racing driver Kurt Busch for his actions during the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.  Busch was fined $50,000 for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing — inappropriate hand gesture; abusive language).

Busch flashed an obscene gesture as he drove into the garage area after suffering transmission problems early in the race. He was also later caught on camera berating reporter Jerry Punch, while Punch was attempting to interview Busch after he climbed from his Shell Pennzoil Dodge Charger.

In issuing the penalty, NASCAR cited Busch’s “poor judgment in making an inappropriate hand gesture.” NASCAR also said Busch showed “disrespect towards a media member” in his treatment of Punch.