IZOD IndyCar Series officials have penalized Helio Castroneves after his unwarranted verbal and physical outburst in Edmonton recently.
Castroneves was penalized for refusing to follow the direction of officials as well as portraying unsportsmanlike conduct when he engaged in physical contact with two officials on pit lane after the conclusion of the race.
IndyCar Series officials fined driver Helio Castroneves $60,000 and have placed him on probation for the remainder of the season for his actions during and following the July 25 race at Edmonton City Centre Airport.
The fine appears somewhat light, with officials worried about the reaction of IndyCar fans if Castroneves was suspended from racing.
A verbal outburst is one thing but physically abusing officials is a much more serious matter, particularly on live TV broadcast throughout the world.
Castroneves was leading the race at Edmonton when he was issued a black flag for blocking Team Penske teammate Will Power on Lap 93 following a restart but failed to take the drive-through pit lane penalty.
“I regret what occurred following the IZOD IndyCar Series race in Edmonton, commented Castroneves, “and I apologize for my behavior as I let my emotions get the better of me. Although my disappointment with being black-flagged while leading the race with just a few laps to go will probably always remain with me, I understand and accept the league's decision to penalize me for my reaction.
Many other codes of sport would see either a suspension for the rest of the season or even a life ban. What punishment would you expect to be handed out to a football or rugby player in the same circumstance?
The next question for Castroneves is ‘Does the fine include tax?’
