NASCAR announced Tuesday that Todd Lohse, crew chief for the #32 Chevrolet driven by Shane Hmiel in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $10,000 and suspended until March 30 (or the next four races), for rule violations occurring this past weekend at California Speedway. During opening day inspection last Friday, the #32 was found to have unapproved hinged air deflector modifications. That violated Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
The #32 team has filed a request for an appeal hearing with the National Stock Car Racing Commission. The penalties have thus been deferred, enabling Lohse to participate in this weekends NASCAR Busch Series event in Mexico City.
In addition, two other NASCAR Busch Series penalties were announced, coming out of the California weekend. Both infractions also were determined during opening day inspection. Tommy Perkins, crew chief for the #16 Chevrolet driven by John Hayden, has been fined $2,500. The #16 had an unapproved third gear transmission ratio, a violation of Section 12-4-CC. Section 12-4-A also was violated. John Vermillion, crew chief for the #7 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Fuller, has been fined $500. The car had an unapproved intake manifold, violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q.(NASCAR PR)(3-1-2005)
