Nascar Winston Cup driver Tony Stewart has been fined $10,000 and placed on probation after punching a photographer following Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.

Stewart was penalised by governing body Nascar for "actions detrimental to stock car racing" and is on probation until 31 December.

Nascar president Mike Helton said: "It is imperative that we protect the integrity of our sport. This type of behaviour cannot be tolerated."

In addition to the fine and probation, the 31-year-old will also be required to apologise to photographer Gary Mook who was working for the Indianapolis Star newspaper.

Other altercations

Mook took several pictures as Stewart was on his way back to his team's transporter after the race.

Stewart had led for 43 laps after starting from pole but slipped back to 12th by the end.

According to witnesses, Stewart took several swings at the photographer, including a few that made contact.

After being black-flagged late in a race last year here, Stewart slapped a tape recorder from a reporter's hand and kicked it under a transporter.

He has also had a handful of altercations with other drivers, including a highly-publicised shoving match with Nascar's leading driver Jeff Gordon.