Penalties handed out - NASCAR falls short again

"NASCAR will use whatever means necessary to stop it."  That's what Helton said on Sunday and reiterated Monday when they handed out the penalties, but that's not what their actions say.

• Robby Gordon - $35,000 fine and docked 50 points for his actions.  Car owner James Smith was also docked 50 points.  I thought Robby owned his own car?
• Kasey Kahne - $25,000 and docked 25 points.  Evernham docked 25 owner points.
• Michael Waltrip - $10,000 and docked 25 points.  Teresa Earnhardt also docked 25 owner points.
• Brian Vickers - 25 points and Mary Hendrick (listed owner) was also docked 25 owner points.  Crew chief Lance McGrew was fined $10,000.

After hearing about the fines and penalties, how is that using "whatever means necessary to stop it"?  The fines and penalties aren't really any heavier than they usually are, so how is that going to put a stop to it?  The headline to NASCAR.com's article was titled "Hit 'em where it hurts," how is taking away points (no more than usual mind you, Gordon's was for multiple offenses) going to stop anything when the drivers are not in contention for the Chase, nor are they in contention for the 11th place prize?

NASCAR should have parked them for at least a race, no points, no money, no nothing.