c/o espn.com

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- NASCAR driver Jimmy Spencer could face assault charges after allegedly attacking fellow competitor Kurt Busch following Sunday's GFS Marketplace 400.

 

As the drivers came into the garage area at Michigan International Speedway following the checkered flag, Spencer drove into the rear of Busch's car and spun it around.

 

Witnesses said Spencer then got out of his car, raced up to Busch's car and punched Busch several times in the face. Sheriff's deputies pulled Spencer away and took him to the NASCAR hauler.

 

The witnesses said Busch, who finished 18th after running out of gas while running second one lap from the end, was holding a bloody towel to his face when he entered the track medical facility.

 

Jeff Patterson, spokesman for the Lenawee County Sheriff's Dept., confirmed to The Associated Press that his department was investigating an assault charge against Spencer, who finished 26th.

 

Both drivers left the track without comment. Busch, the left side of his face looking puffy, drove away in his own car. Spencer, smoking a fat cigar and looking straight ahead, was driven away by his wife, Pat.

 

This is the latest episode in a feud that was sparked when Busch bumped past Spencer in March 2002 at Bristol Motor Speedway to get his first Winston Cup victory.

 

There have been several on-track incidents since.

 

One came last August in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis. After Spencer hit Busch from behind, knocking him into the wall, Busch gestured at Spencer as he drove by and later called Spencer a "decrepit old has-been."

 

Spencer replied: "I think Kurt has a lot to learn, and some of that is to control his mouth."

 

Despite the on-track incidents and harsh words, though, there have been no previous physical confrontations.

 

On Sunday, their cars appeared to bump several times when Busch passed Spencer late in the race.

 

"They were right in front of me and they rubbed a little bit. They haven't been friends for quite a while," race winner Ryan Newman said.

 

"NASCAR spoke with both drivers about the incident that occurred today. If we should take any actions, we'll announce it at an appropriate time," NASCAR spokesman Mike Zizzo said. "They spoke with NASCAR inside (the hauler) and (NASCAR officials) are going over the incident right now."

 

Jack Roush, who owns Busch's car, said, "Kurt says that his car ran out of gas and stopped running ... Jimmy then ran into him and came up and punched him through the window. There were words exchanged. I don't know what was said. We're going to let the authorities handle it.

 

Roush said the local sheriff's department was taking statements from the drivers since the incident occurred after the race.

 

"Of course, it's primarily in (NASCAR president) Mike Helton's hands to decide what he needs to do with Jimmy after these repeated assaults that he's had, either on the racetrack or the rest of it," Roush said. "Jimmy has had a history of being overly aggressive. NASCAR has taken a position on what he should do and what he should not do."

 

Jeff Miles, the transport driver for Spencer, said, "I know he tried to put Jimmy in the fence on the straightaway."

 

Robby Gordon, another Winston Cup driver, offered to pay Spencer's fine and said Busch "had it coming for a while."

yah just heard that on SportsCenter.

 

Ramp, you like Newman? He's an Indiana boy. I just like him cuz he drives a Dodge.

Robby Gordon, another Winston Cup driver, offered to pay Spencer's fine and said Busch "had it coming for a while."

 

Robby is a fine one to talk, he's had it coming for even longer.

 

Spencer never forgets, this could turn into an almost weekly thing until NASCAR takes some action.

 

I do feel a little bad for Jimmy though. Every time it looks as though he will have a good run, something goes wrong. As soon as he starts to get lapped, I think the poor guy turns into Homer Simpson. You know, his eyes glaze over and he starts to say, "Mmmmm, beeeeerrr!"

 

:homer

Robby has his own problems. Jeff Gordon can't stand him.

im not a jimmy spencer fan, although i have his autograph

 

newman is ok.... i like Stewart alot..... and of course DEI

I used to hate Dale Jr. Hated him with a passion. Loved his dad, but didnt like Jr. Then at the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert he sang with Kenny Chesney on "Back Where I Come From". Needless to say, I dont hate Jr anymore. Not one of my faves though.

 

Bill Elliot and Sterling Marlin are my drivers!

Bobby and Tony. If they drive for Joe Gibbs, I like them.

Sterling Marlin aint too shabby :lol

I like Joe Gibbs. Don't mine Bobby Labonte, but just can't get into Tony Stewart. He's not one of those guys who, if they win, I get angry (well, I dont get angry anyway when somone wins a race), but I just don't really like him.

 

And, yes, Sterling has an awesome last name! Haha. He's from Tennessee and drives a Dodge. How can I not like him?

Damn, Jimmy Spencer is the local boy here and both my dad and myself are big fans.

 

This just sucks but Mongo was always known for being rough.

Looks as though they have given Jimmy a suspension until at least August 26. Probably better that way, he will miss Bristol where bumping and banging is normal.

 

Nascar.com

lol, I'm a big NASCAR fan, my favorite driver is Mark Martin. I'm not going to take sides on this one. I'm not a huge fan of either, but I don't think beating the s*** out of Busch was necessary on Spencer's part. It sounds like Busch was defenseless if he was in his car. I saw that last quote by Robby Gordon and laughed he deserves it more than anyone.