INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Racing League suspended driver Sean Guthrie and his father, car owner Jim Guthrie, for disregarding directions by officials during a Firestone Indy Lights race last week in Kansas.

IRL competition vice president Tony Cotman said Thursday their actions put "everyone at risk" during a yellow caution period and that the suspensions are for an indefinite period.

The 21-year-old driver was cited for failing to follow the direction of officials, failing to slow down under the yellow and failing to follow the direction of safety personnel after a crash by driver Pablo Donoso during the Kansas Lottery 100 on Sunday. His father, a former Indy 500 driver and the 1997 IndyCar Series rookie of the year, was suspended for failing to follow officials' directions and for conduct detrimental to the sport.

Sean Guthrie finished 18th at Kansas and is 20th after four races in the developmental Indy series this season.

Butch Meyer, co-owner of the Brownsburg, Ind.-based team, said he understands "the necessity and severity of the penalties."

"Guthrie Meyer Racing will continue and adhere to the IRLs standards of conduct and sportsmanship," Meyer said in a statement. "I have the utmost respect for the league and agree with the IRL leadership that the safety of the drivers, crews, officials, safety personnel and all others involved at the track is paramount."

Neither Guthrie would comment on the suspensions.