Ingall fined for V8 Supercars criticism

Russell Ingall has been fined $15,000 by V8 Supercars, with a further fine of $10,000 suspended, due to his post-race criticism of officials at Winton.

The veteran was on course for a podium finish for Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport when he was given a drive-through penalty for a clash with David Wall, leaving him ninth at the flag.

In a television interview after the race, Ingall referred to the stewards as "dopey idiots" and "peanuts" and suggested their decisions would anger spectators.

Ingall was adjudged to have contravened article 6.5.4 of V8 rules, which covers conduct "prejudicial to the interests" of the sport.

Series chief James Warburton said the championship was not cracking down on drivers' right to voice opinions, but that Ingall had gone too far.

"Drivers are without question invited to express their opinion and show emotion, passion is the very essence of any sport," Warburton said. "It is not our intent to suppress comment but encourage it.

"There have been many instances of it so far this season when drivers and teams have openly expressed their views to the media. In this circumstance, however, the comments were found to have included direct threats towards officials, which in any sport is unacceptable."

Ingall and the Dumbrell team have accepted the penalty. Speaking prior to his punishment, Ingall said it was the imposition of the penalty mid-race that had angered him most.

"To say I'm disappointed about this decision and why it couldn't be looked at afterwards would be an understatement," he said. "These people push the buttons on these sorts of decisions without thinking of the consequence to the team, their sponsors and the public in general.

"I know I've never had a good rapport with the officials since my time in the category but this definitely takes it to a new high."

Originally on Autosport.com