BellaOnline Forums Sports Motorsports Jimmy Johnson Fined after Pocono

CONCORD, N.C. -- No one is exempt from NASCAR's latest rule, not even Nextel Cup points leader Jimmie Johnson.

Fed up with drivers causing a scene in Victory Lane by knocking over plastic sponsor bottles, NASCAR president Mike Helton told the drivers in July to not do it anymore.

Johnson won Sunday's Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway, and after he got out of his car to celebrate in Victory Lane, Johnson placed a large Lowe's sign in front of some plastic Powerade bottles.

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That's a no-no, NASCAR said. The sanctioning body fined him $10,000 for "following the directive of a NASCAR official as well as actions detrimental to stock car racing," in violation of Sections 12-2 and 12-4-A, respectively, of the Nextel Cup rule book.

"NASCAR President Mike Helton thoroughly explained the proper protocol for victory lane ceremonies in a drivers' meeting two weeks ago at New Hampshire," NASCAR spokesperson Jim Hunter said. "We're going to address these situations in an orderly fashion, just as we always have. We expect our drivers to follow this protocol."

Johnson, who has a contract with Powerade's competitor, said he was merely trying to comply with NASCAR's edict while trying to protect his sponsor. Powerade is owned by Coca-Cola, while Johnson has a deal with Pepsi, which also owns Gatorade.

"The bottom line is I'm just trying to defend my options as a driver," Johnson said Tuesday morning. "I don't really have a way to stand up for it. TV wants me to stay in the car. I really wasn't left with an option and got in trouble with it. I've got to find a way to protect my car."

Interestingly, a NASCAR official in Victory Lane, Dave Finley, picked up the Lowe's sign and placed it back on top of the car after it had fallen off. Johnson said he didn't know that when he talked to Helton about the incident Monday.

Sunday, Johnson said no one told him not to touch any bottles.

"I was a little more aware of camera angles to try to honor my sponsors and take care of them," Johnson said. "I even took the liberty of putting a sign up in front of brand 'X'. So, it's weird that the driver -- in Victory Lane -- has to worry about defending and honoring your sponsor because of relationships that exist outside of your control.

"I hope we get this rectified, and when you pull into Gatorade Victory Lane you're drinking Gatorade and that's all there is to it."

I read that in the paper. I'll have to look at the cars the next time. I didn't notice. But, he shouldn't have to worry about protecting his sponsor - Nextel has their own sponsors too and there is little he can do. That was a lot of money to be fined.

I thought it was a bit ridiculous. This sponsorship business is their bread and butter though.

Well, Jimmie thought he was protecting his sponsorship - Gatorade sponsors Nascar. I thought $10,000 was a bit out of line.