NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
÷ The #10 team has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during pre-qualifying inspection on Sept. 18. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1 and 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book). The right side quarter panel behind the rear wheel/tire was modified during pre-qualifying inspection. Crew chief Daniel Knost has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015. Car chief Pete White has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015.
÷ The #15 team has been penalized for an infraction that occurred on opening day inspection Sept.18. This is a P4 level penalty (Section 12.1, 20. 14.c, 20.14.2.1.k, 12.5.3.4.d, 12.5.3.4.1.d & f, 12.5.3.4.2 of the NASCAR rule book). Crew chief Billy W. Scott has been fined $75,000, suspended for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship events and placed on NASCAR probation for six months following the issue of suspension. Driver Clint Bowyer has been penalized 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Driver points. Car owner Rob Kauffman has been penalized 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Owner points. NASCAR has requested to the Appeals Administrator of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel that the appeals process described in the rule book be expedited.
AND NASCAR issued the penalty “ P4 on its P1-to-P6 scale with P6 being the most severe “ for violation of the rule that forbids washers or other components that allow movement of certain track bar joints or mounting bolts. Permitting those rear-end suspension components to move would allow the car to handle better in the corners (ESPN).
NASCAR XFINITY Series
÷ The #18 team has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during pre-race on Sept. 19. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1 and 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book). The right side vertical extension panel (side skirt) was modified after pre-race inspection. Crew chief Eric P. Phillips has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015. Crew member John P. Egbert Jr. has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015.
÷ The #54 car failed heights during post-race inspection on Sept. 19. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1, 20.17.3.2.1. b & c, 20.17.3.2.2.b & c, 12.5.3.2.1.f, 12.5.3.2.2.a.b & d of the NASCAR rule book). Crew chief Christopher W. Gayle has been fined $12,500 and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015. Car owner J. D. Gibbs has been penalized 10 series championship owner points.(NASCAR)
MWR Statement: Michael Waltrip Racing respectfully disagrees with today’s penalties and plans to immediately appeal. MWR has made mistakes in the past, but we feel we are correct in this instance. We look forward to the opportunity to present our case to the appeals committee and have no further public comment until the process is completed.(MWR)(9-23-2015)
UPDATE: Michael Waltrip Racing officially filed an appeal Thursday of the championship-crippling penalties levied against Clint Bowyer’s team. Crew chief Billy Scott’s three-race suspension has been deferred through the appeal process. The appeal will be heard Wednesday. Scott will work this weekend at New Hampshire, and MWR has denied wrongdoing. The points deduction for Bowyer remains in effect through the appeals process, which means that reigning Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick moves up to 15th in the standings.(Associated Press)(9-24-2015)
UPDATE 2: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of a P4 penalty issued on Sept. 23 to Rob Kauffman (owner), Clint Bowyer (driver), and Billy W. Scott (crew chief) relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #15 at Chicagoland Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book: Sections 12.1, 20.14c, 20.14.2.1.k, 12.5.3.4.d, 12.5.3.4.1.d&f, 12.5.3.4.2. The original penalty assessed included a $75,000 fine, three-race suspension and six months’ probation for Scott and loss of 25 championship car owner and 25 championship driver points to both Kauffman and Bowyer. Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
1. The Appellants violated the Rule or Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice.
2. That the Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalty assessed by NASCAR.
The panel consisted of the following three individuals: Mr. Paul Brooks, Mr. Bill Lester, Mr. Bill Mullis.
The Appellants have the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book as the Expedited Final Appeal. The deadline for filing is 5pm/et on Sept. 30.(NASCAR)(9-30-2015)
UPDATE 2: Statement from Michael Waltrip Racing: “We are disappointed with the outcome of today’s ruling and still feel out interpretation is within the guidelines. Rather than continue the appeals process, MWR is ready to focus 100 person of our company’s resources on winning at Dover and trying to advance to the Contender Round of the Chase of the NASCAR Sprint Cup.(MWR)(9-30-2015)
