NASCAR has fined Denny Hamlin $25,000 for post-race comments, following the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix. I was in a cabin in the woods, and didn't see the race. So when I heard he was fined, I assumed it was something pretty inflammatory. Umm, not so much. See for yourself.

Seriously? 25-grand for that? Sounds like he speaks the truth. Here's what NASCAR said today:

NASCAR determined that Hamlin violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.

NASCAR issued the following statement regarding the penalty: 

“Following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event last Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, Denny Hamlin made some disparaging remarks about the on-track racing that had taken place that afternoon. While NASCAR gives its competitors ample leeway in voicing their opinions when it comes to a wide range of aspects about the sport, the sanctioning body will not tolerate publicly made comments by its drivers that denigrate the racing product.”

It appears like the boys at the home office are a little oversensitive to some simple constructive criticism. Doesn't sound like "ample leeway" to me.