CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Looking to squash any notion that the drivers are running amok on the track, NASCAR suspended Matt Kenseth for two races Tuesday for intentionally wrecking Joey Logano in an act of retaliation that dramatically changed the lineup of drivers in the running for the title.

The penalty levied against Kenseth is fairly unprecedented. Drivers have been suspended before for on-track actions, but only for one race.

NASCAR said it punished Kenseth because he had no chance at winning and intentionally altered the outcome of Sunday’s race. NASCAR also said it factored aspects of safety in penalizing Kenseth.

In addition, Danica Patrick was fined $50,000 and docked 25 points for intentionally wrecking David Gilliland earlier.