On Tuesday, Roush Racing appointed Chip Bolin, long-time engineer on the #17 team, as the interim crew chief for the remainder of Speedweeks at Daytona and throughout Reiser’s suspension. Jack Roush stated, I respect and accept NASCAR’s determination that the car was out of compliance as it was inspected after Sunday’s qualifying attempt. I have asked (Roush Racing President) Geoff Smith to evaluate whether the penalties assessed are unduly harsh for the circumstances before making a final decision as to whether or not we will appeal the severity of the penalty imposed.” Smith said, “The extreme harshness of the penalty surprises me given NASCAR’s recent history of imposing lesser penalties on habitual offenders engaged in radically more flagrant rule offenses. For that reason, I am likely to recommend that we appeal the penalty assessment, although I have some more study to do before I officially make that recommendation.”(Roush Racing PR)(2-13-2007) UPDATE: Geoff Smith, the head of Roush Racing, said he will appeal a 50-point penalty but not Reiser’s suspension. Evernham said he’s still debating an appeal.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-15-2007)
