Witnesses say Stewart shoved photographer

INDIANAPOLIS -- Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart shoved and attempted to kick a photographer just after the conclusion of Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, witnesses said Sunday evening.

The photographer was not named.

	Tony Stewart finished 12th in the Brickyard 400. Credit: Autostock

Stewart, who finished 12th in the race after sitting on the pole at leading 43 laps, exited his car and was jogging from his car towards the transporter lot, flanked by said photographer. As he neared a gate that separated the two lots, witnesses say Stewart shoved the photographer in the chest and attempted to kick him.

Team owner Joe Gibbs said he had a conversation with the photographer, and that the situation had been resolved.

"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."

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Gibbs had not talked to Stewart, who team spokesman Mike Arning said quickly changed clothes and departed the speedway grounds.

"He was upset obviously, with the way he finished up and everything," Gibbs said.

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."