Kenseth summoned to NASCAR HQ for post-suspension comments

Kenseth has been summoned to meet with NASCAR to discuss his post-suspension comments with Chairman Brian France.

NASCAR tossed the 2003 Cup champion for two races after he intentionally wrecked Joey Logano at Martinsville Speedway on Nov. 1. Kenseth’s retaliation stemmed from Logano knocking the No. 20 Toyota out of the lead for the win at Kansas Speedway two weeks prior.

On SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, France described Logano’s move as “quintessential NASCAR”. Kenseth obviously took umbrage with the remark and used it in a tweet following Jimmie Johnson’s win at Texas Motor Speedway.

Johnson never used his bumper to move Brad Keselowski out of the way at Texas. The six-time NASCAR champion simply applied pressure the Team Penske driver until he was able to pass for the No. 2 Ford for the win.

But it wasn’t the “quintessential” comment that raised the sanctioning body’s ire. It was a subsequent interview with the Associated Press that resulted in Kenseth being called to the principal’s office.

Not only was the driver not remorseful for taking the matter into his hands, but Kenseth also told the AP he would likely do it again. Kenseth believed he was goaded into taking action.

"I felt like I was almost encouraged,” Kenseth told the AP on Friday. “I felt like the comments almost condoned it, the way Brian France said Joey was smart in the way he strategically eliminated a threat for the title," Kenseth said. "I just never dreamed, ever, that I'd get suspended for going back and evening the score."

Joe Gibbs Racing and Kenseth twice appealed the suspension — but to no avail. He returns to the track this weekend for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, assuming he's not confined to Brian France's doghouse.

1999 Sprint Cup champion and NBC Sports TV analyst Dale Jarrett also questioned Kenseth's unapologetic comments last weekend (READ HERE).