Schecker

INDIANAPOLIS -- Tomas Scheckter was suspended for the first three days of Indianapolis 500 practice because of unsportsmanlike conduct at the Firestone Indy 225.

Scheckter, a rookie driver for Cheever Racing, was suspended from all on-track activity through Tuesday, fined an undisclosed amount and placed on probation for the rest of this season, the Indy Racing League said Friday.

During the April 22 race in Nazareth, Pa., Scheckter tried to pass Jaques Lazier, and the wheels of their cars touched, sending both crashing into the outside wall.

Scheckter, who was driving his fourth Indy car race, already was on probation and had been warned to temper his aggressive driving, IRL spokesman Ron Green said.

Lazier likely will miss the rest of the IRL season after undergoing surgery last week to repair spinal fractures in the crash. Lazier was released from the hospital Tuesday, and must wear a brace for eight to 12 weeks.

Scheckter was hospitalized for two days with a bruised lung and a concussion, but he has been medically cleared to drive.

He will be eligible to return to on-track activity on Wednesday. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens Sunday for practice for the May 26 race.

A message seeking comment was left Friday for officials at Cheever Racing.

Scheckter also collided with team owner Eddie Cheever Jr. during the IRL's season-opening Grand Prix of Miami.

Trying to pass Cheever on the third lap, Scheckter brushed his boss and knocked him into the wall in Turn 4. Cheever was not injured, but was knocked out of the race.