Reckless Lowndes docked points
1/5/2000 23:01 (Jason Whittaker) - An uncharacteristically reckless Craig Lowndes has suffered the consequences for his aggressive driving style at Eastern Creek yesterday, docked 15 points from his Championship tally.
Lowndes received the penalty after stewards deemed the 26-year-old's altercation in the third heat with race leader at the time, Paul Radisich, was "unsportsman-like." Officials handed-down the ruling at 8pm on Sunday night.
The attempted passing manoeuvre resulted in Radisich's exit from the lead and ruined his chance of claiming what would have been his maiden round win.
In the post-race press conference, Radisich was in doubt as to who was in the wrong. "It was pretty simple, Lowndes took me out," the Shell Helix racer said. "It was my corner, he came in too hot and off I went."
The Holden Racing Team has today said they won't be appealing the decision.
The Radisich altercation was only one talking point involving Lowndes from the Eastern Creek meeting yesterday, which today led to some Journalists dubbing Lowndes as "Motorsport's Mr Nice Guy turned nasty."
His overly-aggressive racing style also drew criticism from Garth Tander, who was one of three victims (Craig Baird was the third) who came off second-best after dicing with Lowndes throughout the day.
"He spent the whole race hitting me up the rear," Tander said. "It's not something you expect from Craig, but he's never been fifth in the Championship and the pressure is on (him)."
Lowndes was cleared of any wrong doing in both the Tander and Baird incidents.
The reigning champion remains in fifth position on the Shell Series despite the points reduction, seven points ahead of 'Creek race winner, Russell Ingall.
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