Edwards on NASCAR probation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., March 9 (UPI) -- Carl Edwards was placed on a three-race probation by NASCAR Tuesday for intentionally wrecking Brad Keselowski's car.

NASCAR said Edwards wasn't suspended nor docked standings' points in the disciplinary action, which covers races in Bristol, Tenn.; Martinsville, Va., and Phoenix.

"We made it very clear to (Edwards) that these actions were not acceptable and did go beyond what we said back in January about putting the driving back in the hands of the drivers," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "I believe (Edwards) understands our position at this point."

Edwards hit the rear of Keselowski's car Sunday while racing down the front stretch of the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The maneuver made Keselowski's car go airborne and land upside-down. No one was hurt in the incident.

The drivers have a history of problems, including a bump of Edwards by Keselowski earlier in Sunday's race that sent Edwards and another driver into the wall. Edwards' car underwent extensive repairs and he returned to the track. Shortly after that he hit Keselowski. NASCAR officials immediately ordered Edwards off the track.

Keselowski knocked Edwards out of a race last April in Talladega and also were involved in a wreck with Edwards at a race in Memphis.