CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) _ NASCAR fined Carl Edwards $20,000 on Tuesday for intentionally hitting Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car at the end of the Busch Series race at Michigan International Speedway.

Edwards was also placed on probation until the end of the year, but was not docked any points for Saturday's altercation. He said he will not appeal the penalty.

``I put everything I can into winning races,'' Edwards said. ``I was wrecked and I reacted. It was wrong on my part. NASCAR penalized me and I respect that.

``Most importantly I apologize if I upset any of my fans or sponsors.''

Edwards was leading the race when Earnhardt spun him out of his way with one lap to go. Earnhardt went on to win the race under caution, and as he was making that final lap, Edwards drove onto the track and rammed into the side of Earnhardt's car. Earnhardt's hand was hanging out his window when Edwards bashed into his car, and he had to quickly pull it back in to avoid injury.

Edwards later went to Victory Lane, where Earnhardt was being uncharacteristically booed by the fans, and the two had a heated argument during the post-race ceremonies.

Both were summoned to meet with NASCAR president Mike Helton on Sunday morning before the Nextel Cup event.