NASCAR Fines and Infractions News
Monday, July 21, 2008
Stock Car Racing Commission upholds Truex penalties: On July 21, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Dale Earnhardt Inc. regarding the #1 car. The appeal concerned four penalties issued by NASCAR stemming from opening day inspection on July 3, 2008 at the Sprint Cup Series event at Daytona International Speedway. The Appellants did not contest the rules violations, but argued that the penalties were too severe for the infractions. The Appellants explained that rigorous checks and balances in the fabrication process were in place at DEI and could offer no explanation as to why the roof failed to meet the inspection templates. They argued that the infractions were minor in nature, not deliberate, and that the resulting lowered roof was a disadvantage according to their wind tunnel findings. The Commission found that the infractions were clear-cut. The roof was low across a broad area. Accordingly, the penalties that were issued are warranted. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The periods of the suspensions are to be adjusted from the date of this hearing. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(National Stock Car Racing Commission PR)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Truex, DEI team to granted appeal: Dale Earnhardt Inc. is appealing at least the suspensions of #1 team crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion and car chief Gary Putnam. Manion and Putnam were working in the garage at Chicagoland Speedway today, and suspended personnel are not allowed at the track unless their penalty is being appealed. DEI Vice President John Story confirmed Thursday afternoon that the team will appeal. The appeal will be heard July 21. “We’ve been granted an opportunity for appeal and anything we have to say about the appeal will be done during the hearing we’ve been granted,” said Story, who would not elaborate on the scope and basis for the appeal.(SceneDaily.com)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
NASCAR annnounces #1 car penalities: NASCAR has issued penalties, fines and suspensions to the car #1 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rules infractions found last week at Daytona International Speedway. The car driven by Martin Truex Jr., was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-3.8A (roof of the car does not conform to the specifications) of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rule book. As a result, Truex Jr. and car owner Teresa Earnhardt have been penalized 150 championship driver and 150 championship owner points, respectively. Both the crew chief, Kevin Manion, and the car chief, Gary Putnam, have been suspended from the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, suspended from NASCAR until Aug. 27 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Additionally, Manion has been fined $100,000. The infractions were discovered July 3 during opening day inspection.(NASCAR PR)
Monday, June 23, 2008
NASCAR warns drivers don't pass the pace vehicle: During Sunday morning's driver meeting, NASCAR race director David Hoots reminded the drivers that passing the pace car is illegal. "We know that under road-racing conditions, fuel management is very important, drivers," Hoots said. "Do all you can to conserve fuel, but hold your respective track positions when you do so." (AP/ThatsRacin)
June 26, 2007
NASCAR issues teams #48, #24 penalties for Sonoma Infractions: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #24 and #48 Hendrick Motorsports teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Both cars – the #24 driven by Jeff Gordon and the #48 driven by Jimmie Johnson – were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); 20-2.1E (parts or components of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that have been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance will not be permitted); and 20-2H (fenders may not be cut or altered except for wheel or tire clearance which must be approved by the Series Director) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during the initial inspection process last Friday. As a result, Gordon and Johnson have each been penalized 100 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs – Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus – have each been fined $100,000, suspended for the next six Nextel Cup Series events until Aug. 15, 2007 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2007. In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #24, has been penalized 100 car owner championship points as has Gordon, who is the owner of the #48.(NASCAR PR)
June 22, 2007
J. Gordon and J. Johnson fail inspection; Neither allowed to qualify or practice: Nextel Cup Series points leader Jeff Gordon and defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, both of the Hendrick Motorsports stable, have failed inspection at Infineon Raceway. The cars of neither Gordon, the defending race champion, nor Johnson will be allowed to practice or qualify Friday. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said both cars "failed the initial inspection ... as a result of body modifications found to be outside NASCAR tolerances. The front fender [of both cars] was modified outside of NASCAR regulations. They did not meet the C2 template inspection." According to Poston, Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 and No. 25 cars, for Kyle Busch and Casey Mears, passed inspections. Poston added, "both teams have an opportunity to repair and resubmit their cars" for inspection up to the start of practice Saturday. "Assuming they pass inspection, they can practice [Saturday] and start at the rear of the field [Sunday]," he said. (NASCAR.com) Note: Further penalties, including possible suspensions if any, will be announced next week.
June 9, 2007
Kurt Busch Penalized Due to Rule Infraction at Dover International Speedway: NASCAR announced today that Kurt Busch, driver of the No. 2 Dodge in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been penalized 100 championship driver points, fined $100,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2007 for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing reckless driving; endangering a crew member on pit road) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. Car owner Roger Penske has also been penalized with the loss of 100 championship owner points due to his driver�s infraction. The violation occurred on pit road during the race at Dover International Speedway on June 4. (NASCAR PR)
July 13, 2006
No penalty for J. Gordon: NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said officials considered Sunday's wreck a "racing incident," and Gordon's post-race comments didn't change their minds. Hunter said Gordon might have tried to knock Kenseth aside but wasn't trying to spin him out - a distinction Hunter compared to a pitcher hitting a batter in the back instead of the head. (Salem-Journal)
July 9, 2006
NASCAR cracking down on rule violations: NASCAR President Mike Helton is telling competitors at this weekend’s NASCAR event at Chicagoland Speedway that he is upping the punishment for those who violate the rules. Case in point: A pair of six-week suspensions handed out this week for violations that occurred at Daytona International Speedway. Helton told the Busch teams during their pre-race meeting, and he is expected to do the same with the Nextel Cup teams prior to Sunday’s race. (Ford Racing)
May 31, 2006:
Both Mayfield and Busch docked points, Busch fined 50k: Kyle Busch, driver of the #5 Kellogg's Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, has been fined, penalized points and placed on probation because of a rule infraction this past Sunday during the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Busch was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR Rule Book. He disobeyed a directive from a NASCAR official, entered the racing surface without authorization and threw an object at another competitor’s car during the event. He has been fined $50,000, penalized 25 Driver Championship points and placed on probation until Dec. 31. The infraction also resulted in car owner Rick Hendrick being penalized 25 Owner Championship points. In addition, the #19 Dodge team was found to be in violation of Section 12-4-A, 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and Section 20-12.8.1A (roof height too low in post-race inspection). That infraction resulted in crew chief Chris Andrews being fined $35,000, driver Jeremy Mayfield losing 25 driver points and car owner Ray Evernham losing 25 owner points. Also, Don Richardson, crew member on the #5 Chevrolet team, has been fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. He violated 12-4-A, because of improper use of a NASCAR credential. (NASCAR PR)
Mayfield and Ky. Busch penalties expected today: NASCAR typically issues penalties on Tuesday, but today they delayed action on possible sanctions for both Kyle Busch and the Evernham Motorsports No. 19 Dodge driven by Jeremy Mayfield. Busch, who drew NASCAR’s ire earlier this year at Phoenix for ramming Casey Mears’ car during a red flag, threw his HANS device at Mears after the two collided Sunday night in the Coca-Cola 600. Mayfield’s car failed the postrace inspection in the same race when it came up one-eighth of an inch too low in the roof height measurement test. “The way we run these cars now, it beats these springs to death and they settle and you never know how much,” said team owner Ray Evernham. “They were low, no doubt about it. … The front springs gave up. It settled too much.” Mayfield finished 15th in the race. (SPEEDTV)
May 18, 2006:
National Stock Car Racing Commission upholds RYR penalty: On May 17, 2006, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Robert Yates Racing. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following pre-race inspection on May 6, 2006 for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book �Actions detrimental to stock car racing�; Section 12-4-Q "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules" and Section 20.12.2D "Unapproved rear sway bar mounting for use other than anti-roll." The penalties assessed were:
- Loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Robert Yates.
- Loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship Driver Points for driver Dale Jarrett.
- $25,000.00 fine and suspension until June 7, 2006 for crew chief Richard Labbe.
The Commission had deferred the fine and suspension against the crew chief until the appeal hearing could be convened. The Appellants did not contest the legality of the sway bar configuration, but appealed the severity of the penalties. The Commission found that the penalties assessed are consistent with recent penalties for infractions of such a blatant nature. In reaching its decision, the Commission also notes that a warning for a lesser violation in the same area of the car had been issued at an earlier event.
Therefore it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner. The Commission further instructs NASCAR to adjust the ending date of the crew chief suspension to June 14, 2006 to remain consistent with the original 4-week suspension period. The Commission: Russell Hackett, Lyn St. James, George Silbermann, Chairman. (NASCAR PR)
May 9, 2006:
Labbe suspended 3 races: NASCAR issued penalties Tuesday to the #88 Nextel Cup Series team for a rule violation committed last weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Richard “Slugger” Labbe, crew chief for the #88 Ford driven by Dale Jarrett, was fined $25,000 and suspended from NASCAR until June 7, 2006 [thru race at Dover], for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.2D (unapproved rear sway bar mounting for use other than anti-roll) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule Book. The violation was discovered during pre-race inspection on May 6. Also, Jarrett has been penalized 25 driver championship points, while team owner Robert Yates has been penalized 25 owner championship points as a result of the violation. (NASCAR PR)
May 3, 2006:
NASCAR upholds Penalty and Fines: On May 2, 2006, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the Appeal of McGlynn Motorsports. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following inspection on April 7, 2006 for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Texas Motor Speedway. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules; and Section 20-5.9G(1) “External modifications to the intake manifold will not be permitted unless approved by the Series Director.” The penalties assessed were: • Loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship Car Owner Points for owner Raynard McGlynn. • Loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship Driver Points for driver Derrike Cope. • $50,000.00 fine for crew chief Domenick Turse. The Appellants acknowledged that the intake modifications violated the rules, but appealed the severity of the penalties. The Commission found that the penalties assessed are consistent with penalties for similar infractions of an overt nature in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Therefore it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner. (NASCAR Press Release)
May 2, 2006:
Hyder #21 Crew Chief fined and placed on probation: NASCAR announced that David Hyder, crew chief for the #21 Nextel Cup Series team, has been fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2006 for a rule violation at Phoenix International Raceway. Hyder violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20-10.8.4I (unapproved tire warming by using a portable heater) of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book. The rule violation was discovered during the running of the Subway Fresh 500 on April 22. (NASCAR PR)
April 25, 2006:
NASCAR will not fine younger Busch: Kyle Busch will receive no further penalty from NASCAR for hitting Casey Mears while the red flag was displayed during Saturday night's Nextel Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Busch was assessed a five-lap penalty during the race for the incident, but that was after his car had sustained damage and he was already more than 40 laps down from the race leader. NASCAR officials said Tuesday, after meeting twice about the incident over the past two days, that the incident had been dealt with "before and after the race." (Charlotte Observer)
April 21, 2006:
McGylnn Racing to appeal fine: McGlynn Racing announced today that the have formally requested a hearing with the National Stock Car Racing Commission for the penalties issued to owner, Raynard McGlynn, driver Derrike Cope as well as the $50,000 fine issued to crew chief, Domenic Turse. (McGlynn Racing PR)
April 12, 2006:
NASCAR fines, penalizes #74 team: NASCAR announced that one fine and two penalties have been issued to the #74 Dodge team competing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, as a result of rule violations last week at Texas Motor Speedway. Due to violations of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20-5.9G(1) (external modifications to the intake manifold deemed impermissible unless authorized by the Series Director) of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book, crew chief Domenick Turse was fined $50,000; driver Derrike Cope was penalized with the loss of 25 driver championship points; and car owner Ray McGlynn was penalized 25 owner championship points. The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection. (NASCAR PR)
April 5, 2006:
NASCAR Fines & Suspension: NASCAR has announced that one member of the No. 07 Chevrolet team has been suspended and another has been fined, as a result of rule violations during this past Sunday’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup event at Martinsville Speedway. Crew member Clint Almquist has been suspended from NASCAR until April 19, 2006 and placed on probation until June 7, 2006 for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. During Sunday’s race, Almquist on one occasion did not place racing fuel in the designated collection area. Crew chief Gil Martin was fined $2,500 for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 9-4-A (crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members). (NASCAR PR)
March 23, 2006:
NASCAR penalties/fines announced: NASCAR announced today that penalties have been issued to two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup teams, as a result of rule violations this past weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Rodney Childers, crew chief for the No. 10 Dodge driven by Scott Riggs, has been fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-W (improperly attached weight) of the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup rule book. The violation was discovered during practice. David Hyder, crew chief for the No. 21 Ford driven by Ken Schrader, has been fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A; 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-3.2.3A (unapproved side window). The violation was discovered during pre-qualifying inspection. (NASCAR)
In addition, Crew member suspended: Thomas Harris, a member of the No. 66 race team, has been fined $5,000 and indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing/unauthorized duplication of a NASCAR Annual Credential). (NASCAR)
March 8, 2006:
Hall of Fame Racing appeal denied: Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach's Hall of Fame Racing team will have to live with its Daytona penalty. The team's appeal was denied Tuesday by a three-person review panel of the National Stock Car Racing Commission at the NASCAR R&D Center in Concord, N.C. HOF Racing's No. 96 DLP Chevrolet team was penalized 25 championship points and crew chief Philippe Lopez was fined $25,000 on Feb. 21 for using a carburetor that didn't meet regulations during qualifying for the Daytona 500. (Dallas Morning News)
Mar. 3, 2006:
HoF racing appeal date set: Hall of Fame Racing's appeal of a fine and two points deductions meted out by NASCAR for infractions discovered at Daytona International Speedway will be heard Tuesday in Concord, N.C. The start-up Nextel Cup Series team is co-owned by former Cowboys quarterbacks and Pro Football Hall of Famers Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. HOF Racing was hit with three penalties last week after an unapproved carburetor was found following qualifying for the Daytona 500 on the No. 96 Chevrolet driven by Terry Labonte. (F.W. Star-Telegram)
Feb. 21, 2006:
Daytona penalties announced, including Knaus: NASCAR announced today that four penalties have been issued to two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams, as a result of rule violations this past weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Chad Knaus, crew chief for the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson, has been fined $25,000 and suspended from all NASCAR events until March 22, 2006. Knaus has also been placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2006. The penalties come because of an unapproved template modification to the rear window area, violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 20-3.12.1 (A) (unapproved template modification.) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule book. The violation was discovered during Feb. 12 post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500. On Feb. 13, NASCAR ejected Knaus from further participation in Daytona 500 activities as a result of the violation. Three penalties were assessed to the No. 96 Chevrolet team, due to the use of an unapproved carburetor, a violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule Book. Crew chief Philippe Lopez was fined $25,000; driver Terry Labonte was penalized with the loss of 25 driver championship points; and car owner William Saunders was penalized 25 owner championship points. This rule violation was also discovered during post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500. (NASCAR PR)
Gibbs statement on Hall of Fame Racing violation
Feb. 14, 2006:
NASCAR to enforce no "bump-zone": NASCAR will begin policing "bump-drafting" during the qualifying races for the Daytona 500, a change that probably will be met with apprehension from drivers and teams. Nextel Cup officials said Tuesday that spotters located in turns at Daytona International Speedway will feed information to NASCAR, which will then determine whether to penalize cars in Sunday's season-opening race. The decision came two days after defending series champion Tony Stewart ripped the use of bump drafting banging into another car to gain momentum for a pass in superspeedway racing and warned that drivers could be hurt or killed if something is not done. NASCAR responded quickly, with vice president of competition Robin Pemberton and Nextel Cup director John Darby outlining a plan Tuesday to begin policing the bump drafting in Thursday's two 150-mile qualifying races for Sunday's Daytona 500. (ABC News)
Feb. 13, 2006:
Johnson's Crew Chief Knaus ejected from Daytona Speedweeks after failing inspection: NASCAR announced today that NASCAR Nextel Cup Series crew chief Chad Knaus has been ejected from any further participation in 2006 Daytona 500 activities as a result of a rules infraction discovered following pole qualifying runs Sunday. Knaus is the crew chief for the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson. NASCAR said the 48 car failed post-qualifying template inspection in the rear window area. The qualifying time posted by the 48 was disallowed and Johnson will have to start at the rear of the field in the first of two 150-mile qualifying races Thursday. The qualifying time of the No. 96 Chevrolet driven by Terry Labonte was also disallowed. NASCAR officials said an unapproved carburetor was found on the 96 car. Labonte will also have to start from the rear of the field in Thursday’s qualifying races. Additional penalties for both cars will be determined following the Daytona 500. (NASCAR PR)
J. Johnson, Terry Labonte fails inspection: Jimmie Johnson and Terry Labonte had their Daytona 500 qualifying runs thrown out Sunday after their cars failed inspection. NASCAR officials said someone illegally altered the rear window on Johnson's Chevrolet after it passed through pre-qualifying inspection. The infraction was discovered when the car was presented after its qualifying run for a second inspection. Labonte's car was found to have illegal modifications to the carburetor. The two-time NASCAR champion is driving in the inaugural race for Hall of Fame Racing, the team owned by former NFL quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach. "These were serious infractions," NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said. "I don't think we would disallow the times if this was not serious." The penalties are not that serious - for now. Both drivers will have to start from the rear of the field during Thursday's qualifying races. The outcome of those races determines the starting lineup for Sunday's season-opening Daytona 500. But Hunter left open the possibility of further penalties, including confiscation of the cars, suspension of the crew chiefs, monetary fines and maybe even a points deduction. (AP/FOXSports.com)
Oct. 19, 2005:
NASCAR upholds Todd Berrier Penalty: On October 19, 2005, the National Stock Car Racing Commission [Brad Daugherty, Richard Gore, and George Silbermann, Chairman] heard and considered the appeal of Todd Berrier, crew chief for the #29 car. The appeal pertained to a penalty issued by NASCAR under Section 12-4-A of the Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing" and Section 12-4-Q "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: Unapproved aerodynamic modifications and unapproved fuel cell vent mounting." The penalty stemmed from post-qualifying inspection at Talladega Superspeedway for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event on September 30, 2005.
The penalty assessed was:
* $10,000 fine; suspension from NASCAR until October 19, 2005; probation until December 31, 2005.
* Upon the request of the Appellant, the Commission deferred the original penalty until the hearing could be conducted.
Taken individually, each of the components that failed to conform to the rules had plausible explanations, but taken collectively, constituted a serious violation of the rules. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalty issued by NASCAR. The period of the suspension will be adjusted to commence from the date of this hearing. The Appellant has the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner. (NASCAR Racing PR)
Oct. 7, 2005:
No word on substance: (Glenn) Darrow, crew chief for Tony Raines' Nextel Cup car, was tested for banned substances last Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway. The results were positive, leading to an automatic suspension. NASCAR did not identify the substance and several series officials did not immediately return phone messages left Thursday. Darrow becomes the second person suspended by NASCAR this season for failing a substance abuse test. (WTOP)
Oct. 6, 2005:
NASCAR suspends crew chief: NASCAR has suspended crew chief Glenn Darrow indefinitely, for violation of the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. Darrow, [now former] crew chief for the #37 Dodge [Tony Raines driver] that competes in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, was tested for banned substances last Saturday (Oct. 1) at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Test results were positive, violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-E (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2005 NASCAR rule book. (NASCAR PR)
Oct. 5, 2005:
Commission Waltrip penalty overturned: Michael Waltrip's penalties for allegedly making an inappropriate gesture during a race last month were overturned Wednesday. NASCAR had accused Waltrip of gesturing during the Sept. 18 race in New Hampshire after Robby Gordon threw his helmet at Waltrip following an accident involving the drivers. Waltrip was fined $10,000, docked 25 points and placed on probation until the end of the year. Waltrip denied making the gesture and appealed to the three-member National Stock Car Racing Commission. The panel said two members found TV footage ``inconclusive,'' and the commission then voted to rescind the penalties. (Yahoo!)
Berrier appeals suspension, will be in pits Sunday: Crew chief Todd Berrier plans to appeal his two-race suspension and will be in Kevin Harvick's pit for Sunday's NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Kansas Speedway. The appeal is expected to be a heard early next week by a National Stock Car Racing Commission panel. Berrier announced his plans Wednesday and will be allowed to work with the team. "We feel we have a responsibility to GM Goodwrench and all of our sponsors, as well as all of our fans, to stand up for what we think is right," team owner Richard Childress said. Berrier was sent home and Harvick's Chevrolet was disqualified last Friday after NASCAR found several violations in the trunk of Harvick's car after he qualified second at Talladega Superspeedway. (Sporting News)
Oct. 4, 2005:
Talladega fines: Tony Gibson, crew chief of the #15 Chevrolet driven by Michael Waltrip, was fined $10,000. During pre-qualifying inspection last Friday, the #15 was found to have an unapproved air directional device and unapproved wheel spacers – violations of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q. Tony Eury Jr., crew chief of the #8 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., was fined $2,500. During opening day inspection last Thursday, the #8 was found to have unapproved fuel cell foam, violating 12-4-A and 12-4-Q. Dustin Smith, crew chief of the #89 Dodge driven by Morgan Shepherd, was fined $2,500. During opening-day inspection, the #89 also had unapproved fuel cell foam. (NASCAR PR)
#29 Crew Chief Berrier suspended: NASCAR announced today that NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chief Todd Berrier has been suspended, fined and placed on probation because of rule violations this past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Berrier, crew chief of the #29 Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick, was suspended from NASCAR competition until Oct. 19, fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. During post-qualifying inspection last Friday, the #29 was found to have an unapproved aerodynamic modification and an unapproved fuel cell vent mounting – violations of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components, and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) in the series rule book. (NASCAR PR)
Oct. 3, 2005:
Parts seized at Talladega: Michael Waltrip's #15 NAPA Chevrolet had a steel spacer confiscated by NASCAR at Talladega, measuring 14 inches across which blocked the holes in the wheel/rim. It fit between the wheel and the hub. NASCAR rules make it illegal to block the rim openings, according to [DEI's] Steve Hmiel teams use to tape the openings closed allowing the cars to go faster. NASCAR allows a spacer but only 7 inches in diameter. (Insider Racing News)
No penalty for McMurray: Jamie McMurray's car failed a post-race inspection but won't be penalized, a series official said. McMurray finished 12th and was the car randomly selected for post-race inspection. The car was too low but a series official said no penalty would be levied because the car was damaged during the race. (New-Record)
Oct. 1, 2005:
Parts confiscated from Talladega: NASCAR officials confiscated unapproved fuel cell foam from the #8 Budweiser Chevy of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #89 Dodge of Morgan Shepherd during pre-qualifying inspections. Shepherd failed to make the field. An unapproved window net was also taken from the #25 GMAC Chevy of Brian Vickers. (Alabama Live)
Sep. 29, 2005:
Johnson's car to low in Inspection but passes: NASCAR was apparently listening to the chatter between several drivers and their crews last Sunday at Dover, Del. After hearing several teams talk about the unusual setup of Jimmie Johnson's winning Chevrolet, the sanctioning body confiscated the rear shock absorbers from six teams following the MBNA RacePoints 400. Several teams talked on their radios about the height of Johnson's right-rear quarter panel. Radio announcers from MRN even talked about it during the race. NASCAR confirmed Johnson's car originally flunked post-race inspection for being too high, but it later passed once the shock "settled." The second-place car from Kyle Busch, Johnson's teammate at Hendrick Motorsports, also was too high. If the rear of the car is high, it pushes up the rear spoiler and helps it gain traction in the corners. NASCAR took the rear shocks from Johnson and Busch, as well as those from Ford drivers Mark Martin and Greg Biffle and Dodge drivers Ryan Newman and Rusty Wallace. (Florida Times Union)
Sep. 28, 2005:
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Dover Infractions: NASCAR announced today that Joe Garone, crew chief for the No. 78 Chevrolet driven by Kenny Wallace in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been fined $1,000 for an infraction during last weekend’s event at Dover International Speedway. Garone was fined for an unapproved fuel cell recessed well, a violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-U (unapproved fuel cell container) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. There were false panels inside the recessed well. (NASCAR PR)
Sep. 23, 2005:
DEI to appeal penalty: Waltrip's penalty for using "an inappropriate gesture during a televised broadcast" Sunday at Loudon will be appealed, Richie Gilmore, the general manager for Dale Earnhardt Inc., said yesterday. Waltrip was fined 25 points, car owner Teresa Earnhardt was fined 25 points, and Waltrip was fined $10,000. "In looking at the tape, we don't see anywhere during the entire incident where Michael did what he is accused of doing," Gilmore said. (Salem-Journal)
Sep. 21, 2005:
NASCAR to warn drivers of possibility of getting parked: Jim Hunter is NASCAR's vice president of communications and he communicated a special message on Tuesday for the next driver who loses control of his emotions or sensibilities during a Nextel Cup event. "Let me put it this way," said Hunter, after meeting with NASCAR's highest levels of authority the last two days. 'The next warning we give will include the possibility of having someone, who is normally a participant, becoming a spectator." In other words, any driver who wants to use their stock car as a battering ram against another competitor, such as Robby Gordon and Kasey Kahne did on Sunday at New Hampshire, or throws a helmet, or utters an expletive on television will likely draw an immediate suspension. (News-Journal)
Sep. 20, 2005:
Surprise no suspensions, NASCAR N.H. fines and penalties: NASCAR issued fines and penalties Monday to four NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams, resulting from rule violations this past weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway. Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Dodge, was fined $25,000 because of an on-track altercation with another competitor during a caution period and placed on probation for the remainder of the year. Kahne violated Section 12-4-A of the series rule book (actions detrimental to stock car racing). Kahne was also penalized 25 driver championship points and car owner Ray Evernham losing 25 owner championship points. “There have been a growing number of incidents lately where drivers have taken matters into their own hands. Such unsafe and inappropriate behavior has to stop,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. NASCAR will use whatever means necessary to stop it.” Lance McGrew, crew chief for the #25 Chevrolet driven by Brian Vickers, was fined $10,000 and placed on probation for the remainder of the year. The #25 team had its primary car confiscated after the weekend’s initial inspection process, due to an unapproved car body. Vickers was penalized 25 driver points and car owner Mary Hendrick was penalized 25 owner points. The team was in violation of Section 12-4-A and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules). Robby Gordon, driver of the #7 Chevrolet, was fined $25,000 for attempting to hit another competitor’s car during a caution period, and then throwing his helmet at another competitor’s car. Gordon also was fined $10,000 for use of improper language during a television interview during the race. Each fine was accompanied by penalties against Gordon of 25 driver points and 25 owner points against James Smith. In addition, Gordon has been placed on probation for the remainder of the year. In each instance, Gordon was in violation of Section 12-4-A. So Gordon loses 50 drivers points and 50 owners points. #15 Chevrolet driver Michael Waltrip, involved in the on-track altercations with Gordon, was fined $10,000 and penalized 25 driver points because of an inappropriate gesture during a televised broadcast, while car owner Teresa Earnhardt was penalized 25 owner points. Waltrip was also in violation of Secton 12-4-A.(NASCAR PR)
Sep. 19, 2005:
Vickers expected to receive penalty: Brian Vickers' No. 25 team also will receive penalties. NASCAR confiscated his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet after the car failed to meet template inspection last Friday at Loudon. A similar incident occurred in February at California, and one official said HMS was warned not to bring a car with similar dimensions back to the track. (Sporting News)
Sep. 18, 2005:
Newman out races Stewart, NASCAR threatens suspensions: Twelve members of Kurt Busch's crew, two wielding orange mallets and one carrying a torch, scurried around his bashed-in stock car early Sunday afternoon. They were trying to salvage not just Busch's car, but also his season. Ryan Newman went on to win the Sylvania 300, but Busch's wreck was as important as anything else that happened at New Hampshire International Speedway. And a lot happened. A series of accidents late in the race ended with an irate Robby Gordon hurling his helmet at Michael Waltrip's car. This was the first of 10 races in the Chase to the Nextel Cup, and Busch, the defending champion, probably lost the title. He was nudged into the wall on the second lap by a car driven by Scott Riggs, fell 66 laps behind and finished 35th. "There are guys you race with and there are guys you can't," Busch said. Then, referring to Riggs, Busch said, "And he really doesn't know where he is most of the time." Tony Stewart led 173 laps Sunday, but he lost a crowd-pleasing duel to Newman on the next-to-last lap and finished second. Stewart did not lose ground otherwise. In fact, he extended his lead in the standings to 20 points from 5 over Greg Biffle, who finished fourth Sunday. "You're going to see some pretty stiff penalties coming out of this," the NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said in a postrace news conference. The penalties, which Hunter said could be announced Tuesday, could include suspensions of those involved Sunday in what he called shenanigans. Gordon, Waltrip and Kahne were summoned to a postrace meeting with NASCAR officials. (In part from NY Times - Results - Points)
Sep. 17, 2005:
Vickers car impounded: Brian Vickers' Chevrolet was taken by NASCAR officials after it failed to fit its templates during inspection. The car was sent to the sanctioning body's research and development office in North Carolina, where it was be examined before any penalties are announced. Vickers was forced to use a backup car and will start 30th. (Jacksonville.com)
Sep. 8, 2005
NASCAR Fines: NASCAR announced today that Glenn Darrow, crew chief for the No. 37 Dodge driven by Tony Raines in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been fined $2,500 for an infraction during last weekend’s event at California Speedway. Darrow was fined for an unapproved rear end gear ratio, a violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-CC (Unapproved rear end gear ratio) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rulebook. (NASCAR PR)
Sep. 3, 2005
Illegal parts at California: Parts confiscated this weekend by NASCAR inspectors were an unapproved rear gear ratio and side window from the No. 37 Dodge driven by Tony Raines; and unapproved side windows from the No. 22 Dodge of Scott Wimmer and No. 32 Chevrolet of Hamilton Jr.
Aug 24, 2005
NASCAR penalties and fines for #49 BAM: NASCAR announced today (08/23/05) that three penalties have been issued to the No. 49 Dodge team in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series as a result of rules infractions last weekend at Michigan. The penalties were issued because of a roof height that was too low, a violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing), and Section 12-4-Q (car, parts, components and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. This infraction was discovered during post-race inspection. Ken Schrader, driver of the No. 49, was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver championship points. Car owner Beth Ann Morgenthau was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series owner championship points. Crew chief David Hyder was fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. (NASCAR PR)
Aug 22, 2005
Schrader too low: NASCAR officials announced after the race that a post-race inspection revealed the roof on the No. 49 Dodge driven by Ken Schrader was too low. A penalty may be forthcoming this week. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Aug 16, 2005
Kyle Busch Fined and put on probation: NASCAR announced today that Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for an infraction last week at Watkins Glen International. Busch was fined for hitting another competitor’s car after the completion of the race, a violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. (NASCAR PR)
July 26, 2005
NASCAR announces Fines: NASCAR announced today that two penalties have been issued to NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competitors as a result of rules infractions this past weekend at Pocono Raceway. Kenneth Glen, crew chief of the #52 Dodge driven by Derrike Cope, was fined $5,000 for an unapproved rear end gear ratio, a violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), and Section 12-4-CC (violation of specified rear end gear ratio) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. This infraction was discovered during pre-qualifying inspection. Shane Wilson, crew chief for the #77 Dodge driven by Travis Kvapil, was fined $1,000 for an unapproved body modification, a violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), and Section 12-4-Q (parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR Rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. This infraction was discovered during pre-qualifying inspection. (NASCAR PR)
July 21, 2005
NASCAR fines Crew Chiefs: NASCAR announced today that Danny Gill, crew chief for the No. 32 Chevrolet driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr., in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been fined $1,000 for an infraction discovered during opening day inspection at New Hampshire International Speedway last weekend. Gill was fined for a seat belt with an expired manufacturer’s date, a violation of Section 12-4-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 17-2-C (seat belts) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. (NASCAR PR)
July 13, 2005
NASCAR Fines for Chicagoland: NASCAR announced today that Larry Hyder, crew chief for the #49 Dodge driven by Ken Schrader in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been fined $1,000 for an infraction last weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Hyder was fined for unapproved body modifications after inspection, a violation of Section 12-4-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR Rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rulebook. (NASCAR PR)
July 12, 2005
NASCAR announces Daytona Penalties: NASCAR announced Monday that fines have been issued to five NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations leading up to the July 2 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Joel Shear, crew chief of the #09 Dodge driven by Johnny Sauter and Dan Kolanda, crew chief for the #89 Dodge driven by Morgan Shepherd, were each fined $10,000 due to unapproved upper rear coil spring mounts, a violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. The infractions were found during opening day inspection June 30. Shear was fined an additional $5,000 for violating NASCAR probation, a breach of Section 12-4-A. Harold Holly, [former] crew chief of the #32 Chevrolet driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr., was also fined $10,000 when post-qualifying inspection revealed violations of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (unapproved lubrication oil reservoir tank cover). Additionally, Glenn Darrow, crew chief for the #37 Dodge of Kevin Lepage, was fined $2,500 after being found in violation of 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (unapproved fuel cell foam) following opening-day inspection. Also, Tony Eury Jr., crew chief of the #15 Chevrolet driven by Michael Waltrip, was fined $500 because he missed the pre-race driver’s meeting, a violation of 12-4-A and 12-4-I (failure to attend driver’s meeting). (NASCAR PR)
June 28, 2005
Sonoma Infractions and Fines: NASCAR announced Tuesday that penalties have been issued to four NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations during opening day inspection at Infineon Raceway on June 24. Doug Richert, crew chief of the #16 Ford driven by Greg Biffle, was fined twice for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 20-17.2 (unapproved seat belt) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. He was fined $1,000 for an expired manufacturer’s date on the lap belt and another $1,000 for an expired manufacturer’s date on the shoulder harness. Philippe Lopez, crew chief of the #07 Chevrolet driven by Dave Blaney, was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) for an unapproved steering wheel.
Rodney Childers, crew chief of the #10 Chevrolet driven by Scott Riggs, and Pat Tryson, crew chief of the #6 Ford driven by Mark Martin, were each fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q for unapproved fire suppression agents. (NASCAR PR)
June 22, 2005
NASCAR penalties includes Kahne and Mears: NASCAR announced today that two NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chiefs have been fined for infractions during last weekend’s events at Michigan International Speedway. Both violations were found during pre-qualifying inspection. Tommy Baldwin, crew chief for the #9 Dodge driven by Kasey Kahne, was fined $10,000 for an unapproved front air dam extension, a violation of Section 12-4-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (parts and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rulebook. Jimmy Elledge, crew chief for the #41 Dodge driven by Casey Mears, was fined $1,000 for unapproved body modifications after inspection, a violation of Section 12-4-1 and Section 12-4-Q.(NASCAR PR)
June 17, 2005
NASCAR Fines Added up in 2004: NASCAR collected fines of $384,495 from 73 Nextel Cup penalties in 2004 and redistributed the money to the top 25 drivers, The Wall Street Journal reports today. As a result, champion Kurt Busch, whose team was fined $21,000 for various infractions during the season, collected $84,588. The newspaper says the NBA, the NFL and MLB turn over the fine money they collect to philanthropic organizations. (NASCAR Scene Plus)
May 27 2005
Drivers Lose Track Time Again: As at Richmond two weeks ago, [11] several drivers were held out of practice for periods of time for having been late to inspection. At Richmond, cars were held for being late the previous week at Darlington. This week, eight cars were delayed for the same thing at Richmond. The drivers held Thursday were #9-Kasey Kahne, #29-Kevin Harvick, #40-Sterling Marlin, #41-Casey Mears, #5-Kyle Busch, #49-Ken Schrader, #66-Hermie Sadler and #27-Kirk Shelmerdine. (SPEEDTV)
May 14, 2005
NASCAR Penalizes Dozen Teams: NASCAR held at least a dozen cars on pit lane before practice yesterday, penalizing the teams for being late to the prerace inspection line at Darlington Raceway last week. Jeff Gordon served the worst punishment, missing 26 minutes of practice. Jimmie Johnson, Scott Riggs, Carl Edwards, Michael Waltrip, Casey Mears, Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jamie McMurray, Kyle Busch, Robby Gordon and Tony Stewart also were held and missed between 10-15 minutes of the session. (TimesDispatch)
May 4, 2005
Talladega Penalties Announced: NASCAR announced today that 11 penalties have been issued to NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competitors, as a result of rule infractions this past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Three of those penalties were issued to the No. 00 Chevrolet team, because of an unapproved rear axle housing, a violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. The violations were found during pre-qualifying inspection. Kenny Wallace, driver of the No. 00, was penalized with the loss of 25 driver championship points; car owner Elizabeth (Buffy) Waltrip was penalized 25 owner championship points; and crew chief Terry Wooten was fined $25,000. Harold Holly, crew chief for the No. 32 Chevrolet driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr., was fined $10,000. During opening day inspection, the No. 32 had unapproved upper rear coil spring mounts, violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q. Jimmy Elledge, crew chief for the No. 41 Dodge driven by Casey Mears, was fined $2,500 because of unapproved use of refrigerant near the fuel system, violating 2-4-A and 12-4-Q. The violations were found during pre-qualifying inspection. In addition, $1,000 fines were issued to the following six competitors: Alan Gustafson, crew chief for the No. 5 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch, because of an unapproved right-side window (violating 12-4-A and 12-4-Q); Mike Ford, crew chief for the No. 88 Ford of Dale Jarrett, was fined for the same violations. In both cases, the violations were found during pre-qualifying inspection. Four crew chiefs were fined because of unapproved window nets presented at opening day inspection (violating 12-4-A and 12-4-Q). Nets must have a minimum opening of one inch between the ribs. Those four: Robert (Bootie) Barker, crew chief for the No. 0 Chevrolet driven by Mike Bliss; Dave Rogers, crew chief for the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Jason Leffler; Bob Osborne, crew chief for the No. 99 Ford driven by Carl Edwards; and Richard (Slugger) Labbe, crew chief for the No. 19 Dodge driven by Jeremy Mayfield. (NASCAR PR)
April 30, 2005
Kenny Wallace Major Penalty: Kenny Wallace's team could be in big trouble with NASCAR after inspectors confiscated a trick rear-end housing from the team, owned by Michael Waltrip. A fine is expected, and some speculate it'll be $50,000, because the design might be considered a safety issue. (Salem-Journal)
April 26, 2005
NASCAR Commission uphold penalty and adds FINE: Not only did car owner James Finch not win his appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commission, but his penalty got worse. NASCAR disqualified Finch's No. 1 Dodge driven by Johnny Sauter from the Busch Series race at Texas for having an illegal carburetor and suspended crew chief Joe Shear for four races. After listening to Finch's appeal Monday afternoon, the Commission, in a 3-0 vote, upheld the current penalties and added a $25,000 fine. Finch was not immediately available for comment. He had contended a Busch Series official had OK'd the carburetor for use before his team put it on its car. Another official lost his job over the incident, as well. (Star-Telegram)
April 23, 2005
Owner Finch Blast NASCAR: "I'm sure they're going to get somebody on their side," Finch said of the appeals committee, pointing out that the last time he appealed a NASCAR judgment, the committee doubled his penalty, from $5,000 to $10,000. "We asked NASCAR specifically two times to check that part, and they checked it, approved it, and sealed it," Finch said. "However, unknown to us, there was some concern among NASCAR officials that there was a big carburetor on our car. But they had a chance to rectify it two days before the race, and it wouldn't have been embarrassing to them or to me and my sponsors. Now they want to take my race and my points. (Salem-Journal)
April 12, 2005
NASCAR Fines R. Gordon's Crew Chief: NASCAR announced Tuesday that Robert Temple, crew chief for the No. 7 Chevrolet driven by Robby Gordon in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been fined $5,000 for a rule violation that occurred last week at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, Va. During opening day inspection on April 8, the No. 7 was found to have an unapproved deck lid, a violation of Section 12-4-Q of the Nextel Cup Series rule book. That also violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing). (NASCAR PR)
April 7, 2005
Hmiel Fined and Points: Shane Hmiel has been fined $10,000 and docked 25 points in the standings by NASCAR for making an obscene gesture at Dale Jarrett during the Busch Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway earlier this week. Hmiel was caught on his in-car camera flipping his middle finger at Jarrett after Jarrett leaned inside the window to complain about an accident Hmiel had caused during Monday's race. The image was shown on live television. (Wire)
March 23, 2005
Knaus and Gustafson penalty reduced: The National Stock Car Racing Commission on Wednesday reduced the two-week suspensions NASCAR had assessed Nextel Cup crew chiefs Chad Knaus and Alan Gustafson to 90 days probation for each following their respective appeals. The appeals were heard Tuesday morning at NASCAR's research and development center in Concord, N.C., before a three-member panel of the commission - John Cooper, Jack Housby and George Silbermann, the commission chairman. By a majority vote in each case, the commission rescinded the suspensions, but kept in place the monetary and points penalties. Two weekends ago following the race at Las Vegas, the cars of Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch, who finished first and second respectively in the race, failed post-race inspection. (ThatsRacin)
March 20, 2005
NASCAR Eases up on Pit Road: Beginning with the Golden Corral 500 today, eight infractions that used to bring a stop-and-go penalty will now be addressed with a pass through the pits. They include a crew member jumping over the wall too soon, too many crewmen in the pit service area, using more than two air wrenches during a stop, and tossing the fuel or catch cans. violations now covered by a pass-through penalty are: crew members returning from the equipment side of the wall, illegal use of extension poles, failing to carry the front air wrench to the pit wall side, and noncompliant refueling. A stop-and-go requires a car to return to its pit box for 15 seconds, while the lesser penalty is merely going back through pit road at the required speed limit. (Record Online)
Helton Looks to Come Down Hard on Cheaters: There once were only three cardinal sins best not committed in NASCAR or major penalties were sure to follow: tampering with fuel, tires or engines. But in the wake of NASCAR last week suspending crew chiefs Ted Berrier, Chad Knaus and Ormond Beach's Alan Gustafson for relatively minor infractions, apparently the times, they are a-changing. In this morning's Golden Corral 500 drivers' meeting at Atlanta Motor Speedway NASCAR president Mike Helton is going to announce just how much they're changing. According to NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter, Helton will tell competitors that a bumper-to-bumper, play-by-the-rules policy is in effect for Nextel Cup competitors and that a series of increasingly severe penalties await those who stubbornly cling to old ways. "Mike is going to be pretty forceful in the drivers meeting," Hunter said Thursday. (News-Journal)
March 15, 2005
Penalties at Vegas equal fines and suspensions: NASCAR on Tuesday suspended the crew chiefs for Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick in a swift crackdown on cheating committed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “Guys have just got to stop playing games with the rules,” NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter told The Associated Press. “We’ve got to do whatever we have to do to protect the integrity of this sport.” “NASCAR doesn’t feel it is fair to the teams who do meet all of the post-race requirements to continue to have people who are pushing it to the limit and then through miscalculations or whatever on their part, fail inspection,” Hunter said. “These rules are black and white and we bend over backward if a car has been in a wreck, been hit, to give them the benefit of the doubt. “This is just unacceptable. So maybe the crew chiefs being at home will help remedy this issue.” None of the suspended crew chiefs will be permitted to communicate with their race teams via cell phone or radio during the time they are suspended, Hunter said.
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Todd Berrier was suspended for four weeks and fined $25,000 for rigging Harvick’s fuel tank to appear full when it actually wasn’t during qualifying.
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Chad Knaus was suspended for two weeks and fined $35,000 when Johnson’s race-winning car failed to meet the minimum height requirement in Sunday’s post-race inspection.
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Alan Gustafson was suspended two weeks and fined $25,000 because Busch’s runner-up car was too high in the post-race inspection.
In addition to the suspensions, the drivers were also docked 25 points. Rick Hendrick, the car owner for Johnson and Busch, was docked 50 points — 25 for each infraction. Richard Childress, the car owner for Harvick, was docked 25 points.
Todd Berrier Response: “If I had to do it again, I’d still play it to try to get away with it, because I know how I got caught,” Berrier told NASCAR.com.
Hendrick Response: “I’m not disputing NASCAR’s right to levy sanctions,” Hendrick said in a statement. “As a team owner, I understand why these standards are in place and have always taken pride in the fact that our organization has kept a very clean record. “In this particular instance, though, we disagree with the severity of NASCAR’s stance and plan to appeal their decision. I want to make it clear that we in no way intentionally ignored guidelines and I’m certain everyone understands that.”
March 14, 2005
Johnson and Busch #5 penalties
Big Penalty Expected from NASCAR For Harvick
March 3, 2005
NASCAR Fines: NASCAR announced today that fines have been issued to three NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations this past weekend at California Speedway. Tim Weiss, crew chief of the No. 73 Chevrolet driven by Eric McClure, was fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-CC (unapproved third gear transmission ratio) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book. David Hyder, crew chief of the No. 49 Dodge driven by Ken Schrader, was fined $5,000 in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-CC (unapproved final drive gear ratio). Billy Poindexter, crew chief of the No. 37 Dodge of Kevin Lepage, was fined twice. Poindexter was fined $5,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) for an unapproved deck lid. He also was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q for an unapproved fire suppression agent. All violations were found during opening-day inspection on Feb. 25. (NASCAR PR)
Feb. 27, 2005
5mph Tolerance on Pit Road: In enforcing its pit road speeds under the new electronic scoring system, NASCAR has built in a five mph tolerance, Nextel Cup Series director John Darby said. "What that tolerance is for is the difference in cold air pressure and high air pressure, whether you're the car behind the caution car or 15 cars back, tachometers are a little off," he said. "I strongly urge everybody to use this five miles an hour as an insurance, not as something to go up trying to gain an advantage." Darby said the new system monitors every car on pit road from the beginning of pit road to the end, so drivers should not be concerned about what other drivers are doing on pit road. (Mercury News)
Feb. 26, 2005
Illegal Parts Seized in CA: NASCAR inspectors found their first violator of the Nextel Cup Series' near gear ratio rule on non restrictor-plate tracks. Officials confiscated the rear gear of Ken Schrader's No. 49 Dodge during inspection at California Speedway on Friday. Also taken Friday was the entire rear deck lid of Kevin Lepage's No. 37 Dodge. Both are likely to face penalties, which will be announced early next week. (ThatsRacin)
Feb. 23, 2005
NASCAR hits Teams and Drivers with Fines: NASCAR announced Wednesday that 15 penalties -- including 11 fines totaling $102,000 -- have been issued to Nextel Cup Series teams resulting from rule violations during the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500 race weeks at Daytona International Speedway.
Two of those penalties were issued to Robby Gordon Motorsports, including the most severe fine -- $50,000 for crew chief Bob Temple -- because of an unapproved intake manifold on the No. 7 Chevrolet discovered during the initial Daytona 500 inspection process on Feb. 11. Jim Smith, Robby Gordon's car owner, was penalized 25 car owner championship points. The No. 7 was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components, and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
Gordon currently has no driver championship points, because the No. 7 failed to make the Daytona 500 field. Smith, however, earned 31 owner points at Daytona. Per the Nextel Cup Series rule book, a car owner receives points based on qualifying results, if their car fails to actually qualify for a starting field.
Four penalties were issued to Wood Brothers Racing because of an unapproved spoiler adjustment on the No. 21 Ford that took place after pre-race inspection for the Gatorade Duel at Daytona (Daytona 500 qualifying races) on Feb. 17.
Ricky Rudd was penalized 25 driver points; Glen Wood was penalized 25 owner points; and crew chief Michael McSwain was fined $25,000.
Also, crew member Marc Smith was suspended from NASCAR competition until March 31. The No. 21 also was in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q.
Pete Rondeau, crew chief on the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., was fined $10,000 for an unapproved third gear transmission ratio. The violation was discovered during the initial inspection for the Budweiser Shootout on Feb. 10. The No. 8 was in violation of Section 12-4-A and 12-4-CC (unapproved rear end gear or transmission gear ratio).
David Charpentier, crew chief for the No. 14 Ford driven by John Andretti, was fined $10,000 because of improperly attached weight, a violation of 12-4-A and 12-4-W (improperly attached weight) determined during pre-race inspection for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20.
Also, the following Nextel Cup crew chiefs were issued $1,000 fines:
• Harold Holly (No. 32 Chevrolet driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr.), because of an unapproved fuel cell well (violating Section 12-4-U) found during the initial Daytona 500 inspection on Feb. 11. There were false panels inside the well.
• Jimmy Elledge (No. 41 Dodge driven by Casey Mears), because of an unapproved window net (12-4-Q) found during initial Budweiser Shootout inspection on Feb. 10.
• Jim Penland (No. 23 Dodge driven by Mike Skinner), because of an unapproved window net (12-4-Q) found during initial Daytona 500 inspection on Feb. 11.
• Robert Leslie (No. 33 Chevrolet driven by Kerry Earnhardt), because of an unapproved window net (12-4-Q) found during initial inspection for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 11.
• Beau Tiffany (No. 52 Ford driven by Larry Gunselman), because of an unapproved fire suppression agent (12-4-Q) found during initial Daytona 500 inspection on Feb. 11.
• Stanton Hover Jr. (No. 80 Ford driven by Andy Belmont), because of an unapproved side window (12-4-Q) found during initial Daytona 500 inspection on Feb. 11.
• Hover, because of an unapproved fire bottle (12-4-Q) found during the 500's initial inspection process on Feb. 11.
Courtesy of NASCAR PR
