Takagi and Tagliani penalised

Takagi was two laps down when he crashed into Jimmy Vasser, who was running third, on lap 133. Kneifel cited CART Rules 8.12 (blocking) and 8.13 (unjustifiable risk) when he elected to exclude Takagi from the race.

"Tora initiated the contact and it was uncalled for," said Kneifel. "Prior to the contact, Jimmy made a couple of legitimate overtaking attempts and then as they crossed the start/finish line, Jimmy pulled alongside Tora, who then began to squeeze (Vasser). We will not tolerate such actions."

Tagliani was penalised a loss of one position for repeatedly blocking Alex Zanardi in the closing laps. The two drivers swapped 11th and 12th places in the revised final standings.

American star Michael Andretti, who finished second in Sunday's race, endorsed Kneifel's decision.

"I think this is something the drivers as a group have been looking for," Andretti commented. "The drivers have been looking for someone to stand up and say, 'We're not going to take this kind of driving.' I applaud Chris Kneifel for that."