Penalties? UPDATED 2 Bickle’s Penalty:NASCAR will be busy again this week, doling out punishment as a result of an on-track incident in Friday night’s BGN race at Richmond. On Lap 185 of the 250-lap race, #43-Jay Sauter turned into rookie Greg Biffle’s #60 Ford as they exited Turn 4, sending both into the wall. Biffle got out of his car, walked over to Sauter’s, and threw a punch into the driver’s-side window. Both were told to report to the NASCAR hauler following the race. The two had tangled early in the race, and there were reports that members of Sauter’s team had expressed their desire for revenge on the track. Although NASCAR officials are not likely to announce any disciplinary action before Tuesday, sources said Saturday both drivers would receive harsh penalties.(That’s Racin’) AND Reportedly, when the two drivers were called into the NASCAR transporter, BGN director John Darby angrily dismissed SauterÃs denial that the crash was intentional and told the young driver he could expect a suspension.(Gaston Gazette)(9-9-2001)
UPDATE – Penalties: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Busch Series drivers Greg Biffle and Jay Sauter for their actions during Friday night.s AutoLite Fram 250 at the Richmond International Raceway. Biffle, driver of the #60 team, was fined $15,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2001.. Biffle also suffered a loss of 100 driver points. He was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series rulebook: “&actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing& fighting.” Sauter, driver of the #43 team, was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2001. Sauter was also penalized with a loss of 100 driver and owner points. He was penalized under Section 12-4-A: “&actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing& rough driving.” Gene Nead, Sauter.s crew chief, received a $5,000 fine and placed on probation until December 31, 2001. He was penalized under sections 12-4-A and 9-4-A: “& The crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his Driver, Car Owner and team members.”(NASCAR PR)(9-12-2001)
UPDATE 2: On September 24, 2001, NASCAR heard and considered the appeal of Rich Bickle. The appeal concerned penalties issued by NASCAR to Rich Bickle following an incident during the BGN race at Darlington on September 1, 2001. It is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to amend the penalty to a fine of $2,500.00, and continue probation until December 31, 2001(NASCAR PR)(9-24-2001)
