Paying the piper

Rudd, RYR employee get fine, probation for post-race fight

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Ricky Rudd and a Robert Yates Racing employee were fined a total of $15,000 and placed on probation for the rest of the season by NASCAR on Tuesday for fighting in the garage.

Rudd was fined $5,000 and Larry Lackey, an employee of Yates' engine shop, was fined $10,000 for their dispute following Saturday night's race at Richmond International Raceway.

Lackey punched Rudd in the eye during a discussion over engines and Rudd, after collecting himself, threw a water bottle that hit Lackey in the face and drew blood. The two were then separated.

NASCAR called their behavior detrimental to stock car racing, but Rudd, who has a black eye, was appalled over his penalty.

"I just found out I am going to be fined and that's the most absurd thing I ever heard," Rudd said. "I believe it's NASCAR's job to keep the drivers safe and that guy just sucker-punched me. I didn't do anything wrong in this deal, that's all I'm going to say."

Winston Cup director John Darby said Rudd was penalized for throwing the water bottle.

"In every fight, there has to be an aggressor and a retaliator," said Darby. "The incident between Larry and Ricky took place in the garage area and we, as a sanctioning body, govern the pits and garage. We will not tolerate people hitting each other in those areas."

Rudd currently drives the No. 28 Ford for Yates, but is leaving at the end of the season to drive for The Wood Brothers.

Meanwhile, NASCAR also fined Jeff Green's crew chief $5,000 and docked the team 25 owner points and 25 driver points for using an unapproved left front spring.

The infraction on the No. 30 Chevrolet was found in post-race inspection and Todd Berrier was fined because the coil winding of the spring was not evenly spaced and did not meet the standards set forth in the rule book.

And in the Bush series, Charlie Lewis, crew chief for the No. 46 Chevrolet of driver Ashton Lewis Jr., and team member Scott Honan received fines for actions during Friday night's race.

Lewis was fined $2,000 and Honan $1,000 for being "involved in an altercation in another competitors pit area."

 

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