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INDYCAR: Panther Racing Owner Fined, Placed On Probation
Twitter has become one of INDYCAR's favorite income streams, thanks to statements made by drivers, and now, team owners.
Marshall Pruett  |  Posted April 28, 2012  
John Barnes. (Photo: LAT)
Twitter has become one of INDYCAR's favorite income streams of late, thanks to statements made by drivers, and now, team owners.

After venting his frustrations towards former Race Director Brian Barnhart via Twitter, Team Penske's Helio Castroneves received a healthy fine after last year's race at Motegi, and on Saturday, the series announced the latest member of the paddock to use social media to run afoul of its rulebook.

"INDYCAR has fined and placed Panther Racing CEO and managing partner John Barnes on probation through Dec. 31 for posting a comment using improper or disparaging language in reference to INDYCAR on his Twitter account. The amount of the fine is $25,000," the statement read.

"Pursuant to Rule 9.3.1.8 of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook: Using improper, profane or disparaging language or gestures in reference to Officials, Members or actions or situations connected in any way with INDYCAR, the IZOD IndyCar Series or any Event. Barnes may contest the penalties pursuant to the procedures and timelines detailed in the rulebook. A protest/appeal may result in an increase, decrease or no change to the penalties."

Barnes followed INDYCAR's announcement with a statement of his own.

“Nobody cares about open-wheel racing and the Indianapolis 500 more than I do, and therefor I’m very passionate about all the decisions that are made – right or wrong – that affect our sport," he said. "I’m not the first person who has disagreed with a sports league or sanctioning body’s decision and I certainly won’t be the last to get fined for doing so. While my passion for this sport will never waver, I should have chosen a more private forum to voice my opinions. Even if we don’t always agree, I respect the authority of the IndyCar Series and its officials and will continue to abide by their rules and regulations.”

Marshall Pruett is SPEED.com's Auto Racing Editor, covering IndyCar and sports cars. He also contributes to Road & Track and Racecar Engineering. Follow him @MarshallPruett on Twitter.
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