USAC officials fine Stewart for altercation

By SceneDaily Staff

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

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Two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart has been fined $10,000, and Tony Stewart Racing has been placed on probation for the balance of the 2008 United States Auto Club racing season following an incident on pit road during a USAC Midget race last Thursday at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indiana.

The incident occurred when Stewart's driver, Tracy Hines, had scraped the wall and pitted for a tire change, but his car was not deemed ready to re-enter the race in time to rejoin the field for the restart.

Video of the incident shows an angry Stewart grabbing a headset off the official’s head and throwing it on the ground. As he returned to his pit, he shoved another official who approached him.

“I apologize to USAC and their fans for my behavior last week at ORP,” Stewart said in a statement on the USAC Web site. “My own misinterpretation of USAC policies in place at the time led to confusion and elevated emotions.

“I’m very passionate about my race team and will stand up for them when I think something isn’t right. Obviously, I handled this particular situation the wrong way, and if I had to do it over again, it never would’ve happened.”

In addition to the fine and his race team being placed on probation through the 2008 season, Stewart will also pay for the costs of new radios and uniforms for USAC officials.

“Tony offered to go beyond the penalties USAC assessed him because he wanted to do something positive that would have specific impact for our officials,” said Kevin Miller, president and chief executive officer of USAC. “While what took place at ORP last week was unfortunate, we applaud Tony’s commitment to bettering USAC and for providing additional equipment officials use week in and week out.”