NASCAR officials say Braun Racing faces a potential penalty for an “unapproved transfer of tires” during the Federated Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series race at Nashville Superspeedway. NASCAR said the transfer was between the #10 Toyota driven by Tayler Malsam and the #38 driven by Jason Leffler. Leffler blew an engine and finished 34th after 85 laps, while Malsam finished 11th, completing all 225 laps. No other details of the infraction were immediately available.(NNS Racing)(6-6-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR has penalized the #10 and #38 teams that compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as a result of rule violations during the June 5 race at Nashville Superspeedway. Both teams were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); 20A-10.8.2E (teams will not be permitted to use tires or wheels from another team unless approved by the series director) and 20A-10.8.2L (identification numbers have been changed on previously approved tires) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. As a result, Stuart Cooper, crew chief of the #10 car and Sean Whisenhunt, tire specialist on the #10, along with Trip Bruce, crew chief for the #38 car and Kevin Bellicourt, tire specialist for the #38, all have been suspended from the next two NASCAR Nationwide Series races, suspended from NASCAR until June 23 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Bruce and Cooper also were each fined $25,000. Tayler Malsam, driver of the #10 car, and Jason Leffler, driver of the #38, each were penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide championship driver points for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J, 20A-10.8.2E and 20A-10.8.2L. Additionally, the owners of the #10 and #38 cars, Todd Braun and Ralph Braun, respectively, each were penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide championship owner points also for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J, 20A-10.8.2E and 20A-10.8.2L.(NASCAR PR)(6-9-2010)
Team Statement: Todd Braun statement regarding penalties for the #38 and #10 teams following Nationwide Series race at Nashville Superspeedway: Though we feel the penalties levied against Braun Racing for infractions at Nashville Superspeedway against the #38 and #10 teams are harsh under the circumstances, we understand NASCARs need to be consistent in making sure teams adhere to the rule book in order to promote a level playing field, says Braun. This situation is the result of miscommunication between team personnel and we will need to further evaluate the circumstances and work to improve our procedures to ensure this does not happen again. (Braun PR)(6-9-2010)
