NASCAR has fined driver Denny Hamlin $25,000 for comments he made after the March 3rd NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway.
NASCAR determined that Hamlin violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.
NASCAR issued the following statement regarding the penalty:
“Following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event last Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, Denny Hamlin made some disparaging remarks about the on-track racing that had taken place that afternoon. While NASCAR gives its competitors ample leeway in voicing their opinions when it comes to a wide range of aspects about the sport, the sanctioning body will not tolerate publicly made comments by its drivers that denigrate the racing product.”
Along with most race fans, Hamlin thinks it’s ridiculous. So ridiculous that he’s refusing to pay the fine!
“Ultimately, I’m not OK with it,” Hamlin said of the penalty. “This is the most upset and angry I’ve been about anything in a really, really long time – anything that relates to NASCAR … the truth is what the truth is and I don’t believe in this, I’m never going to believe in it. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not going to pay the fine.
“If they suspend me, they suspend me. I don’t care at this point.” – H/T to Lee Spencer of FoxSports.com for the quotes.
