Castroneves, Rice fined for poor conduct.

Championship contender Helio Castroneves and rookie stand-out Buddy Rice have both been slapped with fines following last weekend's penultimate race of the season at Chicagoland.

Indy Racing League vice-president of operations Brian Barnhart issued penalty notices to both drivers following allegations of unsportsmanlike conduct during the Delphi Indy 300. Citing rules 8.1 and 8.3(A) of the regulations, Barnhart fined both men undisclosed amounts for their on-track actions during the event.

"The Delphi Indy 300 was a thrilling race that produced close, exciting open-wheel racing and a memorable finish," Barnhart said, "What makes this type of racing possible is a code of ethics that's been developed by the drivers and Indy Racing League officials over the past seven years. Both Helio and Buddy displayed actions on the track during the race Sunday that were not appropriate."

Ironically, Castroneves was cited by Rice's team boss Eddie Cheever for blocking his run to the front in what transpired to be the closest finish in Indy racing history.

Both Castroneves and Rice may appeal their penalties, as prescribed in Section 12.1 of the Indy Racing League Rule Book. An appeal may result in an increase, decrease or no change to the penalty.