Stewart penalized for actions in USAC race

Calling his behavior "unacceptable," the U.S. Auto Club's vice president for racing operations, Jason Smith, announced on Monday the sanctioning body had fined Sprint Cup series driver Tony Stewart $10,000 and placed him on probation through the rest of the year.

On his own, Stewart also agreed to pay the costs of new radios and uniforms for USAC officials.

Stewart, a car owner in the USAC midgets, was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct on pit during Thursday night's race at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Clermont, Ind. In actions captured on video, while arguing a race procedure issue involving his team's driver, Stewart swiped off the radio headset of one USAC official on pit road and shoved another.

“USAC immediately assessed the incident and it was determined that unacceptable behavior detrimental to the sport had occurred, and that the professionalism and the integrity of the series and its promoters had been severely compromised,” Smith said.

"While we respect the passion of our teams in the spirit of competition, we regret this incident occurred and are dedicated to averting a recurrence in the future.”

Stewart apologized for his actions.

"My own misinterpretation of USAC policies in place at the time led to confusion and elevated emotions,” he said. “I’m very passionate about my race team and will stand up for them when I think something isn’t right.

"Obviously, I handled this particular situation the wrong way, and if I had to do it over again, it never would’ve happened.”

This story was originally published July 28, 2008 at 1:47 PM with the headline "Stewart penalized for actions in USAC race."