Stewart expects fine from USAC for role in 'altercation'

Raven · 07-25-2008, 02:09 PM

By David Newton
ESPN.com
(Archive)

Updated: July 25, 2008, 2:03 PM ET

INDIANAPOLIS -- Two-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart expects to be fined by USAC for an "altercation" with an official during Thursday night's race at O'Reilly Raceway Park.

The incident occurred after points leader Tracy Hines, who drives for one of Stewart's two midget teams, got into the wall and there wasn't a track official or push truck present to help get the car back in the race.

Hines' crew reportedly attempted to change a right rear flat and get him back into the race before another restart. As they pushed the car to the front of the straightaway, a USAC official indicated they were too late.

Stewart then came down to pit lane to get an explanation for the call. He reportedly knocked the headset from the official's head and then shoved him.

"We had an altercation," Stewart said Friday after unveiling the car number (14) and sponsors (Office Depot and Old Spice) he'll showcase for Stewart-Haas Racing next season. "It was a situation [where] we didn't understand a call they made."

USAC did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Stewart said the incident ultimately could cost Hines, who finished 22nd, the USAC crown. He also admitted if he had to do it over again he wouldn't have confronted the official.

"When you're sitting there and you've got your corporate sponsors there and you've got a car on the racetrack and it's sitting on pit lane and they can't get a push truck to it, you're supporting your guys and your team that worked on that car to get it back out," he said.

"There was definitely a disagreement. We talked about it after it happened and after the race was over. It got their eyes open and they're doing everything they can to make sure incidents like that don't happen again."

David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com.

07-25-2008, 08:07 PM

As he should expect a fine. You just don't put your hands on an official.

Raven · 07-25-2008, 10:31 PM

I agree, 24n88fan.

07-25-2008, 02:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
Raven Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 501	Stewart expects fine from USAC for role in 'altercation' By David Newton ESPN.com (Archive) Updated: July 25, 2008, 2:03 PM ET INDIANAPOLIS -- Two-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart expects to be fined by USAC for an "altercation" with an official during Thursday night's race at O'Reilly Raceway Park. The incident occurred after points leader Tracy Hines, who drives for one of Stewart's two midget teams, got into the wall and there wasn't a track official or push truck present to help get the car back in the race. Hines' crew reportedly attempted to change a right rear flat and get him back into the race before another restart. As they pushed the car to the front of the straightaway, a USAC official indicated they were too late. Stewart then came down to pit lane to get an explanation for the call. He reportedly knocked the headset from the official's head and then shoved him. "We had an altercation," Stewart said Friday after unveiling the car number (14) and sponsors (Office Depot and Old Spice) he'll showcase for Stewart-Haas Racing next season. "It was a situation [where] we didn't understand a call they made." USAC did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Stewart said the incident ultimately could cost Hines, who finished 22nd, the USAC crown. He also admitted if he had to do it over again he wouldn't have confronted the official. "When you're sitting there and you've got your corporate sponsors there and you've got a car on the racetrack and it's sitting on pit lane and they can't get a push truck to it, you're supporting your guys and your team that worked on that car to get it back out," he said. "There was definitely a disagreement. We talked about it after it happened and after the race was over. It got their eyes open and they're doing everything they can to make sure incidents like that don't happen again." David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-25-2008, 08:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
24n88fan Guest Posts: n/a	As he should expect a fine. You just don't put your hands on an official.

07-25-2008, 10:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
Raven Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 501	I agree, 24n88fan.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)