No Ruling on Helio's Tantrum Until Next Week, IRL Says

Filed under: IRLAfter making a split-second decision to black flag leader Helio Castroneves for blocking at the end of the IndyCar race at Edmonton Sunday, Indy Racing League officials are taking their time deciding what to do about his post-race outburst -- a temper tantrum that included grabbing an IRL official with both hands and shaking him.

"IZOD IndyCar Series officials will meet with driver Helio Castroneves next week to further review his actions following the July 25 race in Edmonton," said a news release issued by the sanctioning body Thursday. "Any penalties will be announced after that meeting."

Brian Barnhardt, the IRL's president of competition and racing operations, vigorously defended the sanctioning body's snap decision to black flag Castroneves for blocking teammate Will Power as Power tried to pass on the outside going into and through the first turn after a restart with two laps to go.

But the IRL is obviously taking its time on deliberating and ruling about Castroneves' explosive reaction. In other major sports, such as baseball, simply touching an umpire or referee during an argument brings a swift, automatic suspension.

Castroneves ignored the black flag, which is an order to the pits for consultation, so he did not receive the checkered flag as race leader at the end of the final lap. Scott Dixon, in second behind Castroneves at the end, received the checkers and the victory. Castroneves was docked 20 seconds, a penalty that dropped him to 10th place. Power, who was third in line, was awarded second.

Castroneves stormed over to the flag stand and was gesturing and shouting up at the flagman when IRL security chief Charles Burns approached to try to settle him down. Castroneves grabbed the front of Burns' shirt with both hands and shook him for a moment as Penske Racing team director Tim Cindric intervened. The fiery Brazilian almost instantly regretted his actions and has apologized for his outburst while remaining firm that the blocking penalty was out of line and "absurd." Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Commentsandysautosport footjoy golf shoes ski helmets