Stewart fined $10,000; probation extended

By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
July 12, 2001
12:08 PM EDT (1608 GMT)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 20 Pontiac on the Winston Cup Series, was fined $10,000 for his actions following Saturday night's Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway.

NASCAR made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.

Additionally, Stewart, who was already under probation by the sanctioning body stemming from an incident at Bristol Motor Speedway in March, had his probation extended from Aug. 29, to Nov. 21, 2001. If he further violates the probation, he could be fined and/or lose championship points, finishing positions and face suspension from NASCAR.

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The sanctioning body handed down the fines in regards to the rule stating “...actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing..” is against the rules.

In addition to the fine and the probation extension, Stewart will be required to issue a formal apology to a media member for his confrontational actions on Saturday night, as well as issue a formal apology to NASCAR fans.

The disciplinary actions came about after a series of events during and after the Pepsi 400. NASCAR black-flagged Stewart for going below the yellow line during the final laps of the race. During the drivers’s meeting prior to the race, officials had warned they would not tolerate anyone going below the line to improve positions as it may cause danger.

Stewart did not heed the black flag when it was called and remained on the track. Although he finished the race sixth place, he was sent to the end of the lead lap -- 26th place.

He argued that Johnny Benson’s No. 10 Pontiac forced him below the line. NASCAR felt otherwise.

After the event, the driver purportedly had an incident with reporter Mike Mulhern of the Winston-Salem Journal. As Mulhern tried to question Stewart about the incident, he allegedly knocked the reporter’s recorder out of his hand and then kicked it.

Stewart then went to the NASCAR trailer to argue his case.

There, he had a verbal confrontation with Gary Nelson, the Winston Cup Series director. Stewart’s owner, Joe Gibbs, and crew chief, Greg Zipadelli, had to physically restrain him.