Stewart-Haas Racing’s Tony Stewart was $35,000 last week for speaking his mind on NASCAR’s lax rules in regards to lug nuts. In support of Stewart’s statements the Sprint Cup Drivers Council raised the money needed in order to pay the fine, however Smoke has now elected to donate the money to Autism Delaware.
According to Motorsport.com, Stewart has decided to pay the $35,000 penalty levied against him himself and did not want the Sprint Cup Driver’s Council to pay the fine – though he appreciates the gesture.
“I appreciated the Drivers Council support, but I didn’t want them to pay the fine,” Stewart said. “We decided as a group to donate the money to charity.”
Artie Kempner and his wife Marcy founded autism Delaware, which looks to improve the lives of those with autism through education, advocacy, and public awareness. Artie is the coordinating director for NASCAR on FOX, but also a good friend to Stewart.
“Artie is such a good friend to all of us and his foundation does a lot of great work,” the No. 14 Chevrolet driver said.
Stewart lambasted NASCAR last week for not requiring pit crews to fasten all five wheel lug nuts when performing a tire change. NASCAR changed the rule on Monday requiring all five nuts to be on the wheel, however Stewart’s fine has remained.
Comments
probably one of the nicest guys in racing. He’s had a lot of bad luck lately. Great seeing him race again
Am I going to get fined for speaking out about NASCAR’s rule about speaking out about their rules?
Amazed that passed the grammar check.
That’ll cost you $15,000
Why do they donate the money to charity, just buy 35,000 worth of tickets to a race then give them away
Unless your willing to pay the fine, no 1st Amendment rights for you. NASCAR has become pathetically petty. Go ahead, fine me, I dare you @$$holes.