Three-time Indy 500 winner can also work off fine with “community service”
Helio Castroneves will have to pay the price for attacking INDYCAR president of competition and chief steward Brian Barnhart on Twitter after the race at Twin Ring Motegi on Sept. 18.
Castroneves saw his result fall from seventh place to 22nd after he was penalized for passing J.R. Hildebrand in a local yellow zone on the final lap of the race, which sent off a rant against Barnhart on his twitter account (@h3lio). As a result, INDYCAR has fined the three-time Indy 500 winner $30,000 for ‘use of improper, profance or disparaging language in reference to officials’ according to a league release.
“It is sad to see one person being responsible for bringing down an entire series,” Castroneves tweeted after being penalized. “Brian banhart [sic] is inconsistent and even changes the rule book when is convenient for him, and his own personal interests. In the same race in International television he penalizes some but not others.
“Making the famous @paultracy ‘s words mine : Brian Barnhart is a circus clown ! Very disappointed for finishing 7th and being put to 22nd. This is just ABSURD !!!”
However, like Will Power’s penalty for flipping off Race Control after the rain-soaked restart debacle in August at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Castroneves can work off the fine by making public appearances on behalf of INDYCAR through the remainder of the season.
