Stewart-Haas Racing’s Danica Patrick has been fined $20,000 and placed on probation for approaching a live racetrack during last week’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway.
Patrick was running in 19th on Lap 120 when she went low to avoid Kasey Kahne, who was one lap down and running in 31st. Kahne then got into her right rear, sending her car into a spin before it hit the wall. Following the wreck, Patrick approached the apron of the racetrack and gestured towards Kahne to communicate her displeasure with him.
NASCAR implemented a rule following the death of Kevin Ward Jr. in 2014 that prohibits any driver or pit crew members from walking towards the race track while the race is underway.
In addition to the five-figure fine, Patrick has been placed on probation for the next four Cup races.
Comments
$20,000 is a slap on the hand for her !
Well, when she never seems to win anything, got to get attention somehow…
Also I believe she was put on probation for the next 4 races.
The guy who hit her either did it deliberately, which is chicken-shit, or he is an incompetent driver.
Danica Patrick is smart for taking advantage of the situation because if Danica didn’t do as she did by running out on the track, this story wouldn’t get as much publicity as it has gotten because if Danica had just gone to the medical center for a check up, there may have been a reporter asking on how she was feeling or ask what happened; but by doing as what Danica did, Danica made news and every media around the world spent a couple of minutes discussing what had happened (as the old adage goes.. you couldn’t afford to pay for this type of publicity).
Maybe next time , She should run out to the middle of the track, Boy that will get Her some publicity !!