I am curious as to why anyone would believe that the track has the responsibility to issue any penalty here, if warranted?

Tommy Helfrich is simply the promoter of the Sprintweek event, not an official. Once the event begins all calls or decisions regarding USAC races are the responsibility of USAC officials.

Think of it like a baseball umpire, once the teams take the field all the calls are in their hands.

I did not see the incident so I cannot comment about any penalty but if one was warranted it would no havecome from the track or the promoter.