Busch offers apology for Spencer spat.

Under fire Kurt Busch has issued a statement through his team Roush Racing, apologising to NASCAR and its fans for his recent involvement in the argument that resulted in him receiving several jabs to the face courtesy of Jimmy Spencer and a raft of criticism from his fellow drivers.

After several incidents at the Michigan International Speedway with Spencer, Busch also enraged Sterling Marlin after punting him out of the way while en-route to victory in last Saturday's Sharpie 500, a result that was greeted with 160,000 boos from the Bristol fans.

"I want to offer a sincere apology to the fans, my team, my sponsors, NASCAR, the media and my fellow competitors," read the statement. "I am still learning how to deal with public situations that are suddenly placed in front of me while filled with adrenalin from the racetrack. All Winston Cup drivers with experience have learned to do this. It is obvious to me that I handled the situation poorly, which is one reason why I accepted NASCAR's punishment without appeal. I appreciate that Jack Roush, Roush Racing and Newell Rubbermaid are committed to helping me grow and improve.

"Earlier this week, Jack Roush and my sponsors at Newell Rubbermaid separately met with me to discuss the recent events and to review them from many different perspectives. They made it clear to me that in addition to being competitive on the track, that Rubbermaid, Sharpie, Irwin, and the entire Rubbermaid family of companies, deserve and need me to be a true and complete ambassador of their great products.

"I have committed to do my best to uphold the proud name of Rubbermaid and Roush Racing on and off the track. With that in mind, I will continue to compete on a week-to-week basis in a manner that will make my sponsors, team and fans proud. I am here to win every weekend and the entire team supports that. I look forward to Darlington and the rest of the season.

"I know very well that words are cheap and that my sincerity and commitment will be judged by what I do in the weeks and months ahead. I am going to work very hard with the help of my sponsors, Roush and my teammates to live up to the promises I am making today. I truly hope all racing fans will support me as well."

Busch remains on probation with NASCAR until the end of the season.