Rooftop Racing has issued driver Andre Kaplan a fine for his outbreak at East Village. The incident occurred during the 2nd Grand Prix when a dislodged barrier crept onto the track, ensnaring Kaplan. The driver was quick to untangle his vehicle, but then proceeded to forcefully throw the barrier off the circuit, a move that RR says "was irresponsible and endangered the safety of others".
Kaplan has defended his actions, saying "[he] was trying to remove a barrier from the track as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of the other drivers". "Throwing the barrier in a direction where no one was standing was the quickest way to clear the track," Kaplan argued. The driver took aim at Rooftop Racing for not doing more to ensure everyone's safety, stating that "the whole incident could have been avoided had Rooftop Racing properly installed the barriers[...] For an organization that claims its drivers' safety is of paramount importance, they really behave in a way that suggests otherwise".
Rooftop Racing has refuted Kaplan's critique, explaining that "the barriers are made from a lightweight material, specifically selected because it poses no threat of damage to the cars". They continued, saying that "obstacles are a part of the sport, and drivers are instructed to maneuver around them when they edge onto the track, which is what Kaplan has done numerous times in the past and should have done in this instance as well".
Spectators of the incident say that Kaplan appeared to be acting out of frustration. Kaplan, who has been plagued with car troubles since being traded to LP670 at the start of the season (see The Truth Behind the Kelly-Kaplan Trade), has grown increasingly frustrated with the team. A boiling over of his emotions would be consistent with Kaplan's narrative so far this season.
The amount of the fine remains undisclosed.
Rooftop Racing is also considering taking disciplinary action against another driver, Lucas Kelly. This comes after Kelly made an incendiary remark in a text to a RR representative (see Kelly Sweeps East Village). The organization has not said which way they are leaning on the matter, but expressed disappointment with Kelly's repeated disrespect for the game.
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