Helton: Don't curse, regardless of delay

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- NASCAR President Mike Helton warned drivers Sunday not to count on broadcast delays to prevent punishment for profanity.

Mike Helton

Dale Earnhardt Jr. uttered a profanity in victory lane last week at Talladega, leading to a $10,000 fine and a points reduction of 25 points. The penalty cost Earnhardt Jr. the points lead, although Earnhardt Jr. is appealing.

As a result, NBC announced this week that they would institute a five-second delay on their broadcast of the Banquet 400 at Kansas. MRN radio announced a seven-second delay.

But Helton said the delay would not prevent NASCAR from penalizing drivers who cursed, delay or no delay.

"Do not expect (the delay) to keep you out of trouble," Helton said.

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Helton defended NASCAR's action on Sunday, telling the drivers that the precedent had been set before the season. Since then, three drivers (Johnny Sauter, Ron Hornaday and Earnhardt) have been penalized for profanity.

In the pre-race drivers' meeting, Rusty Wallace said that he didn't feel that Earnhardt's profane word was a major issue. He even asked Helton if NASCAR was planning to draw a list of approved words.

"We can sit here and debate for hours or days," Helton said. We have responsibilities. NASCAR has chosen to do it this way."