After learning of Kyle Busch’s penalty for his “inappropriate gesture” during last Sunday’s NASCAR event at Texas Motor Speedway, I came to the conclusion I’m grateful my frequent “single finger salutes” on highways and byways haven’t been recorded on national television!

Kyle was caught speeding while trying to beat the pace car off pit road during a particularly intense point in last Sunday’s race, and he was subsequently penalized one lap by NASCAR.

But when he pulled into his pit following the penalty, ESPN's in-car camera showed Busch displaying his middle finger – and holding it up for several seconds – at the NASCAR official in his pit box.

He screamed obscenities on the team radio and crew chief Dave Rogers yelled back, attempting to calm him down. After NASCAR saw his "unsportsmanlike" gesture toward one of its officials, though, it slapped Busch with a two-lap penalty.

Bad driver…don’t do that again!

Yesterday, it was announced NASCAR added a significant financial bite to its in-event penalty, fining him $25,000 for “the bird.” It further placed the driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota on probation until Dec. 31st. Since the season ends Nov. 21st, I’m wondering if they’ll go after him for similar “gestures” he may display on public highways through the end of the year?

Seems a little over the top to me. And, based on Kyle’s past emotional outburst record, I’m guessing it will have little influence over his future actions.