Problem with the #24? UPDATE 3 Loomis Statement: NASCAR inspectors found what was described as a “height problem” with Jeff Gordon’s #24 Dupont Chevy during post-race inspection at Rockingham. Gordon led the most laps and finished third in the Dura-Lube 400 Monday. All other cars passed inspection(SpeedVision)(2-26-2001) UPDATE: Jeff Gordon finished third, but NASCAR officials later said his #24 Chevy did not meet the minimum height requirements. The finish is expected to stand, but Gordon’s team probably will be penalized(AJC) UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials announced they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Robbie Loomis for rules violations found in post-race inspection following Monday’s Dura-Lube 400 at the North Carolina Speedway. Loomis, crew chief for the #24 DuPont Chevy, was fined $25,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “…any car found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion of time trials or the race…”(NASCAR PR)(2-27-2001) UPDATE 3: Statement from Robbie Loomis: “I take full responsibility for what happened at Rockingham. An oversight in pre-race preparation led to a mechanical failure. A setscrew that secures a jackbolt loosened during the race – allowing the car to lower and become extremely tight. Unfortunately, I feel this incident also cost us a chance to win the event. My congratulations go to Steve Park and DEI for a great victory(HMS PR)(2-28-2001)
