Stewart is fined $10,000

Calling his behavior "unacceptable," the U.S. Auto Club's vice president for racing operations, Jason Smith, announced Monday the sanctioning body had fined NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Tony Stewart $10,000 and placed him on probation through the rest of the year.

On his own, Stewart also agreed to pay the costs of new radios and uniforms for USAC officials.

Stewart, a car owner in the USAC midgets, was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct on pit road during Thursday night's race at O'Reilly Raceway Park in Clermont, Ind. In actions captured on video, while arguing a race procedure issue involving his team's driver, Stewart swiped off the radio headset of one USAC official on pit road and shoved another.

"USAC immediately assessed the incident, and it was determined that unacceptable behavior detrimental to the sport had occurred, and that the professionalism and the integrity of the series and its promoters had been severely compromised," Smith said.

Stewart apologized for his actions.

"My own misinterpretation of USAC policies in place at the time led to confusion and elevated emotions," he said. "I'm very passionate about my race team and will stand up for them when I think something isn't right.

"Obviously, I handled this particular situation the wrong way, and if I had to do it over again, it never would've happened."

(Jim Utter)

NASHVILLE LOSES IRL DATE: The Indy Racing League won't be going back to Nashville Superspeedway after efforts to negotiate an agreement for a 2009 race failed.

The IndyCar Series had raced at the superspeedway the past eight years, including July 12 when Scott Dixon won a rain-shortened race.

The Edmonton Sun reported Sunday that Toronto would replace the Nashville race in an 18-race schedule in 2009.

(The Associated Press)