NASCAR CEO Brian France met privately with Tony Stewart on Friday and attended a meeting of Sprint Cup drivers at Talladega.
It was the latest effort by France to stop backlash from drivers and fans regarding a $35,000 fine levied on Stewart for public criticism about NASCAR's stance on safety in regard to lug nuts.
France reportedly talked with Stewart to explain why a fine remained despite a rules change that justified Stewart's criticism. Beginning this week as NASCAR runs races at Talladega, all five lug nuts on all wheels must be tightened to specifications.