Hornish, Kanaan hit by fines, probation
7/11/2007INDIANAPOLIS Tony Kanaan and Sam Hornish Jr. have been fined unspecified amounts and placed on probation for the rest of the year for their roles in a fight at Watkins Glen, N.Y., the Indy Racing League announced yesterday.
Kanaan s team, Andretti Green Racing, and Hornish s team, Team Penske, were fined $25,000 each for unsportsmanlike conduct on pit road as the cars returned after the checkered flag. The teams are also on probation until Dec. 31.
The altercation at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix broke out when the drivers exited their cars. Hornish s father pushed Kanaan, then was knocked to the ground by members of Kanaan s crew.
We believe that emotions play a role in our sport but it is unfortunate that others took it as an opportunity to become involved, said Brian Barnhart, president of racing and operations division for the IRL.
Sam Hornish Sr. has been suspended from pit lane for one race and was also placed on probation until Dec. 31.
We are disappointed in the actions of the drivers, the team members and the non-team members involved in the incident, Barnhart said. Entering the field of play even after the checkered flag and actively becoming engaged in anything outside of celebration is inappropriate and inexcusable.
The teams, drivers and others penalized may appeal the penalties, but Andretti Green Racing said it had no such plans.
Chairman Michael Andretti said the team regretted the incident.
Racing is an emotional sport and it is unfortunate that those emotions carried into the post-race activities on Sunday, Andretti said in the statement. We are looking forward to putting this behind us and are focused on battling for the IndyCar Series championship throughout the last seven races.