NASCAR says no more "secret" fines, will disclose future fines to public

NASCAR has come under fire for their "secret" fines this past season, but the 2012 season will start with a breath of fresh air.

The ruling body issued a statement which read:

"NASCAR will no longer issue fines that are undisclosed. We looked at this issue from every angle and gathered feedback from the industry. While there are always sensitivities related to sponsor relationships  and other leagues may continue issuing disclosed and undisclosed fines, NASCAR has decided that all fines moving forward will be made public after the competitor or organization that has been penalized has been informed."

That simple statement is music to the ears, and wallets, of drivers such as Denny Hamlin, Ryan Newman and Brad Keselowski, whose fines were exposed by the media. Others have never come forward. 

Hamlin's fine was likely for tweeting about NASCAR interference in the outcome of races, Newman's fine(s) were for criticizing the dangers of racing at Talladega and for reportedly punching Juan Pablo Montoya. Brad Keselowski's fine came to light after he openly (during a media session) criticized NASCAR's switch to electronic fuel injection (EFI). In all these instances, NASCAR levied fines, then swept them under the rug. No more!

The 2012 season starts with an open-book policy. You do the crime and you are subject to the media hounding you about it. The lesson: think before you speak, tweet, or punch!