V8 Supercars driver Russell Ingall has been fined $15,000, with $10,000 suspended until the end of the year, for public comments made following Saturday’s first race of the Winton 400.

Ingall was issued a pit lane penalty in the late stages of the race after an on-track incident with Wilson Security Racing’s David Wall.

Post-race comments made by Ingall on television and to the media were determined a breach of rule 6.5.4, outlined as follows:

6.5.4 Conduct Prejudicial: A person must not do any act, make any omission or engage in any conduct which includes words which is or may be reasonably (a) seen as being prejudicial to the interests of any Meeting, or (b) likely to bring the sport of motor racing into disrepute.

Ingall and his team Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport accepted the penalty, with the matter finalised by Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) stewards tonight. The penalty included Ingall submitting a written apology to race officials.

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said Ingall, and all drivers, were welcome to express their views without using language that may be interpreted as a direct criticism of race officials.

“Drivers are without question invited to express their opinion and show emotion, passion is the very essence of any sport,” Mr Warburton said.

“It is not our intent to suppress comment but encourage it. There have been many instances of it so far this season when drivers and teams have openly expressed their views to the media.

“In this circumstance, however, the comments were found to have included direct threats towards officials which in any sport is unacceptable.”