By Amy Konrath
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011) – INDYCAR officials have fined driver Will Power $30,000 and placed him on probation for the remainder of the season for his actions during the Aug. 14 IZOD IndyCar Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Due to the public display of these actions, Power will be able to work off the fine by making a series of public appearances on behalf of INDYCAR throughout the remainder of the season.
Power was penalized for portraying unsportsmanlike conduct when he used improper and profane gestures directed toward Race Control following a Lap 217 restart that went awry because of a slick racing surface.
“While the circumstances around the checkered flag were highly unusual, they do not justify this type of behavior, especially in a family-friendly environment,” said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and operations, INDYCAR. “Emotions always are on display in our sport and we know these actions are not indicative of Will’s normal behavior.”
Power may contest the penalty as prescribed in the IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook. A protest/appeal may result in an increase, decrease or no change to the penalty.