M. Wallace fined $3,000 for bad language

antig24 · February 27, 2003

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR officials have fined NASCAR Busch Series driver Mike Wallace $3,000 for his use of inappropriate language during the telecast of Monday's Rockingham 200 at North Carolina Speedway. Wallace, driver of the No. 4 Chevrolet, was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Busch Series rule book: "Actions detrimental to stock car racing."

During the Rockingham 200 on Monday, Wallace collided with Shane Hmiel while both passed the slower car of Larry Gunselman on lap 115.

Both cars slammed into North Carolina Speedway's outside wall in Turn 1. Immediately, both drivers hopped out of their cars and started jawing.

Wallace's car stopped on the apron, and he started pointing his finger at Hmiel, who raced down the banking to confront Wallace.

As FX cameras rolled, Wallace yelled an expletive at Hmiel while walking to the infield care center.

k1500chevy97 · February 27, 2003

Could it be heard over the air or by the cameras ??

If it was only the motion of his mouth that they seen then I think he should not have been fined .

If it was audible then fine him

Elwood · February 27, 2003

If it was on the apron or on the way to the care center they should not fine him. That would be a very emotional moment for someone. I'm sure he was not thinking about whether or not a camera was on him when he said it, he was just mad.

SilveradoWV · February 27, 2003

From what I read, Mike Wallace said the other guy was basically using some of the same type words. But I agree with the fine becuase the other guy was smart enough to leave his helmet on. He probably was thinkin "well I better leave my helmet on so the cameras wont see what I am saying" but it worked out for the best that he did leave it on. Therefore he shouldnt be fined. After reading an article, Mike Wallace was kind of complaining because the other guy didnt get fined either. I believe NASCARs judgement was fair, after all this is a family sport and the drivers need to act like role models. Just my .02

General Lee 01 · February 27, 2003

He probably was thinkin "well I better leave my helmet on so the cameras wont see what I am saying"

No, he was probably either thinking, "Mikey doesn't look too happy I better leave this helmet on incase he throws something at my head.".

Or, he could have been thinking "Geez, MiKe Wallace might through a blunt object at my F#*@ing head, I'd better leave this g*dd@mn thing on to protect my head!"

SilveradoWV · February 28, 2003

That was a typo, I meant to say He Probably WASNT thinking he should leave his helmet on becuause of what he might say, but he probably did think he should leave it on because of your reasons General!