Pair avoid sanction
BRISBANE: Supercars drivers Jamie Whincup and Cameron Waters have escaped bans for comments aimed at race officials following Sunday’s controversial race at Pukekohe.
Governing body Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (Cams) had threatened to throw the book at seventime series champion Whincup after an extraordinary spray directed at stewards at the Auckland SuperSprint.
Ford young gun Cameron Waters was also in hot water after he questioned whether results should stand following a controversial safety car period that marred the 200km race.
Fourtime Bathurst champion Whincup passed the safety car without permission after being incorrectly identified as the race leader. He received a drivethrough penalty before finishing a distant 16th.
He then questioned the officials’ professionalism in a postrace TV interview saying they were ‘‘cruising back, having a few glasses of red each night’’.
The comments infuriated Cams chief executive Eugene Arocca.
But following a meeting with his Supercars counterpart, Sean Seamer, and apologies from both drivers, it has been decided no further action will be taken.
‘‘We accept the right of competitors to dispute our decisions, however, personal attacks on the professionalism of officials have no place in any sport,’’ Arocca said.
‘‘There is no doubt Jamie’s comments have upset many people. However, having had the opportunity to speak to him I know that he is genuinely remorseful for the offence he has caused, particularly in race control.’’ — AAP