Ward Burton Fined $5,000 by NASCAR

By: Andy Kondratick
August 29, 2002 - Well gang, I thought he just might get away with it but NASCAR has reared its ugly pen and wrote Ward up for a fine of five thousand dollars for his actions on the track at Bristol. I know what your thinking. They sure took long enough. He was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2002 Winston Cup Series rulebook: "actions detrimental to stock car racing."

What? What is that? Can someone tell me what is so detrimental about throwing some boot shields at a car? I guess they had to do something to save face after they have handed out so many other fines this year of a rather stupid nature in my opinion. This to me is an insult and gives me the feeling of having to go to the principal’s office.

These are grown men with high emotions and a lot of money on the line. I must applaud Ward for his actions. If it was me in Ward’s shoes, I would have jumped on the hood of Jr.'s car and stuck my fist through the window. Ward acted in a much more professional way I think. What's next? Are they going to fine a driver if he says the wrong thing? Why? Why? I ask you. Is this really necessary? I want your opinion. Am I the only one who feels this is ridiculous? AAAAHHHHHHH!!!