In a series born via the exploits of bootleggers and outlaws, NASCAR's history is unsurprisingly steeped in decades of contact and drivers pushing the limits of what may be deemed acceptable. There's almost an expectation to see occasional bump and runs, or a driver full-throttle against the wall to escape playoff elimination. But bumpin' or rubbin' or wreckin' is not always racing, and NASCAR officials have stepped in a few times over the years to set things a bit more straight on track, even if it means placing their best players in the penalty box.
But when or where that line is crossed hasn't always been consistent. There have been numerous questionable moments that have gone completely unpunished. The 2010s actually began with NASCAR's infamous "Boys have at it" policy, encouraging drivers to settle the score between themselves. It quickly fell apart when Brad Keselowski was sent flying upside down at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The following season, the series parked Kyle Busch for the weekend after he right-hooked NASCAR Truck Series contender Ron Hornaday Jr. into the outside wall—while under caution, no less. NASCAR abandoned its "have at it" policy after that season—yet drivers have managed to intentionally take out the competition.
