http://www.nascar.com/2002/news/headlines/...fine/index.html
Stewart fined, placed on probation for incident
Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive August 6, 2002
4:16 PM EDT (2016 GMT)
CONCORD, N.C. -- On Tuesday, NASCAR fined Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart $10,000 and placed him on probation through Dec. 31, 2002 following an altercation with a photographer following the Brickyard 400 on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Stewart, who witnesses said shoved and attempted to kick a photographer after exiting his car, was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rule Book: "Actions detrimental to stock car racing."
In addition to the fine and probation, NASCAR will require Stewart to make a formal apology to the media member, Indianapolis Star freelance photographer Gary Mook.
The penalties were assessed after NASCAR officials conducted a thorough investigation of the incident.
"It is imperative that we protect the integrity of our sport," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "This type of behavior cannot be tolerated and is in no way indicative of the manner in which our drivers, teams, tracks and sponsors interact with the media.
"We take pride in our accessibility and interaction with the media and we intend to protect that relationship."
Stewart, who finished 12th in the Brickyard 400 after sitting on the pole and leading 43 laps, exited his car and was jogging towards the transporter lot, flanked by Mook.
As he neared a gate that separated the two lots, witnesses said he shoved the photographer in the chest and attempted to kick him.
Team owner Joe Gibbs had a conversation with the individual to diffuse the situation.
"The only thing I can tell you is I had a good talk with the gentleman that was here, that everyone was talking about, and he basically said to me there was not a problem.
"I had a good conversation with him, and that's really about all I can say about it. I don't think it was (a big deal) in talking to the gentleman."
This marks the latest temper tantrum episode for Stewart. Last year, after being black-flagged late in the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, he slapped a tape recorder from a reporter's hand and kicked it under a transporter.
"I've never been a great athlete, but I would say this is probably the number one place that he wants to win a race," Gibbs said. "It's a bitter disappointment and I think when you get him in that situation, it is hard for him to even talk."
Stewart fined, placed on probation for incident
Marty Smith, Turner Sports Interactive August 6, 2002
4:16 PM EDT (2016 GMT)
CONCORD, N.C. -- On Tuesday, NASCAR fined Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart $10,000 and placed him on probation through Dec. 31, 2002 following an altercation with a photographer following the Brickyard 400 on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Stewart, who witnesses said shoved and attempted to kick a photographer after exiting his car, was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rule Book: "Actions detrimental to stock car racing."
In addition to the fine and probation, NASCAR will require Stewart to make a formal apology to the media member, Indianapolis Star freelance photographer Gary Mook.
The penalties were assessed after NASCAR officials conducted a thorough investigation of the incident.
"It is imperative that we protect the integrity of our sport," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. "This type of behavior cannot be tolerated and is in no way indicative of the manner in which our drivers, teams, tracks and sponsors interact with the media.
"We take pride in our accessibility and interaction with the media and we intend to protect that relationship."
Stewart, who finished 12th in the Brickyard 400 after sitting on the pole and leading 43 laps, exited his car and was jogging towards the transporter lot, flanked by Mook.
As he neared a gate that separated the two lots, witnesses said he shoved the photographer in the chest and attempted to kick him.
Team owner Joe Gibbs had a conversation with the individual to diffuse the situation.
"The only thing I can tell you is I had a good talk with the gentleman that was here, that everyone was talking about, and he basically said to me there was not a problem.
"I had a good conversation with him, and that's really about all I can say about it. I don't think it was (a big deal) in talking to the gentleman."
This marks the latest temper tantrum episode for Stewart. Last year, after being black-flagged late in the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, he slapped a tape recorder from a reporter's hand and kicked it under a transporter.
"I've never been a great athlete, but I would say this is probably the number one place that he wants to win a race," Gibbs said. "It's a bitter disappointment and I think when you get him in that situation, it is hard for him to even talk."