Following NASCAR's official action earlier this week in response this week to the Carl Edwards/Brad Keselowski incident, Team Penske President Tim Cindric had this reaction in his exclusive column for RACER.com:

"I've been asked many times what I think about NASCAR's decision to simply put Carl Edwards on probation after intentionally wrecking Brad," Cindric related. "My view is, NASCAR isn't going to give us back the points we lost, they aren't going to repair our racecar, they can't replace the sense of accomplishment that our team members lost that day, so it really doesn't matter to me what they decide to do to Carl as long as it is in the best interest of the sport. NASCAR declared earlier this year that they think that letting the drivers sort it out on the track is the best way, so I guess the fans and the sponsors will decide if they are right."

Roush Racing's Edwards was placed on probation for three races by NASCAR after admitting that he had intentionally run into Penske's Keselowski in last weekend's Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Keselowski said he has accepted NASCAR's judgment on the matter, and Cindric believes that the perception that his driver is a troublemaker are wide of the mark.

"I've been asked whether Brad's approach is productive for the team and what he is like on the radio during the race. I can't say I've even heard him upset on the radio," Cindric said. "He's very matter of fact, has a good sense of humor and he's a good motivator. He is always very positive toward the crew and he takes a lot of pride in knowing that he has a chance to do what he has always dreamed of doing for a living. Of course, he's also very forthright and he will call a spade a spade even if it means admitting mistakes: you don't see that with a lot of guys. Brad will be the first to raise his hand and say, “my bad.” 

For more of Cindric's insights on Penske's NASCAR and IndyCar programs click here.