Image: Simon Cudby.

Autotrader.com/Monster Energy/Toyota Yamaha’s Weston Peick has been fined and suspended by the AMA following his controversial on-track altercation with MotoConcepts rider Vince Friese during Anaheim’s Monster Energy AMA Supercross opener.

The 450SX contenders first came together during their heat race when Friese made an inside move on Peick, which resulted in the Yamaha rider finding himself tangled in the tuff blocks and eventually on the ground.

Both riders then found themselves rubbing elbows in their semi, where Peick made an aggressive move on Friese, which was then countered with a move by the latter and put both riders on the Angel Stadium floor.

Peick quickly got to his feet and began throwing a swarm of punches to the helmet and neck area of Friese before finishing up with a final shove, sending Friese to the ground. Watch the Replay on MotoOnline.com.au here.

For his actions Peick was immediately disqualified from the event and was later issued a one-race suspension and a $US5000 fine, meaning he will miss this weekend’s San Diego round. Friese was able to line up for the LCQ, but did not transfer to the main event.

With Peick out for round two, AutoTrader.com/Monster Energy/Yamaha will bring in fulltime reserve rider Phil Nicoletti to take his place in the 450SX class alongside teammate Justin Barcia.

Both Peick and Friese are yet to comment on the incident. Stay tuned for more information as this story develops.