DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., April 6 (UPI) -- NASCAR driver Shane Hmiel was penalized 25 points and fined $10,000 Wednesday for making an "inappropriate gesture" during a race at Bristol, Tenn.
Hmiel was also placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 31.
The 24-year-old driver was punished for "an inappropriate gesture" in violation of a rule that that concerns "actions detrimental to stock car racing," NASCAR said.
Hmiel placed 12th in the race -- the rain-delayed Sharpie Professional 250 -- at Bristol Monday. The points deduction will not change his ninth-place ranking in the Busch Series standings.
Another driver, Denny Hamlin, was fined $5,000 and also placed on probation "for hitting another competitor's car" after the race was completed.
Hmiel's car owner, Todd Braun, was penalized 25 owner points and five other NASCAR Busch Series teams were also penalized for for rule infractions at Bristol.
