WINSTON CUP PENALTIES 2001/2002

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• Roush may file appeal on Wednesday UPDATE 5 APPEAL DENIED: If Roush Racing does in fact opt to file an appeal to NASCAR’s 25-point penalty, it won’t come until Wednesday’s deadline, team president Geoff Smith told NASCAR.com on Monday. The penalty was issued after NASCAR found what it deemed an illegal left front spring on Mark Martin’s Ford following the Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Speedway two weeks ago. The spring in question included 4 3/8 coils, 1/8 of a coil shorter than NASCAR’s required 4 1/2 coils. “No, we’re not quite ready,” Smith said. “We took the opportunity these past few days for everyone to have a cool down period, where we could all soberly look at the facts and circumstances, hear what our competitors had to say and the media had to say about our situation. I left Phoenix with what I considered good information, but there were no competitors taking a position that was different than ours. There was no one saying anything that said it made any performance difference whatsoever, and also got to see if those 25 points are likely or are not likely to make any difference in the championship.”(NASCAR.com)(11-12-2002)
  UPDATE: Roush Racing president Geoff Smith said Tuesday that the team will announce Wednesday morning whether or not it will appeal a 25-point penalty from NASCAR against Mark Martin. The team scheduled an 11:00am/et. teleconference with Smith and Martin to announce and discuss their decision with the media. Today is the deadline for filing an appeal to the penalty(ThatsRacin.com)
  UPDATE 2: Roush Racing announced today that Jack Roush and Mark Martin have exercised their right to appeal the 25 point penalty assessed for using an “unapproved” spring at the November 3, 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup event in Rockingham. Said Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, “According to NASCAR rules (sec.12-4) penalties for violation of NASCAR rules ‘…are determined by the gravity of the violation and its effects on fairness of competition…’ Since the spring in question had an inconsequential deviation from the rule-specified length, since its use had absolutely no effect on the fairness of competition, and since the penalty imposed was harsher that the intent of its own published standards for the imposition of penalties, we have elected to take advantage of the review process NASCAR has provided to us. We applaud NASCAR both for laying out rules that confirm its interest in insuring that its managers impose penalties only after due regard is given to the fairness the circumstances require, and applaud them even further for providing us with an appeal mechanism that is unprecedented in professional sports. The existence of this rule and the appeal rights granted to us by NASCAR are powerful statements that NASCAR has established and is committed to upholding and maintaining a policy of fairness in connection with the imposition of penalties for the violation of its rules. Fairness, however, can only exist when there is equal punishment for equally situated offenders. That is a concept that is a cornerstone of the entire American experience. It is our firm conviction that Roush Racing was not “equally situated” with the two other teams who suffered penalty points reductions in 2002. NASCAR’s examination into the ‘gravity of the violation and its effects on the fairness of competition…’ of each of the three situations requires that it evaluate the presence or absence of two very significant facts: (1) Did the examination of the part reveal the offender’s intention to violate a rule? (2) Was the part’s function altered in any way to attempt to improve performance? Both of those factors were conspicuously absent in our case, and both were present in the other two cases. Fairness requires a different penalty result for us. We hope that these 25 points have no impact in this year’s championship race, and do not enjoy having this issue present itself at this late date, yet we cannot passively submit to a punishment that is so excessive for the offense. We also recognize that the list of successful appellants can fit on the back of a postage stamp, but we remain hopeful that after a sober review of each of the spring related penalty violations, the Commission will confirm NASCAR’s written commitment to fairness by reinstating our points.”
  Roush Racing also announced that it will not seek legal recourse against the manufacturer or seller of the spring in question, regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
  “There was little question that we have legitimate, meritorious claims, but, ultimately we concluded that Roush Racing can better serve the sport by terminating any contemplation of litigation. In this business, the words “racing” and “litigation” should never appear in the same paragraph if at all possible,” concluded Smith.(Roush Racing)
  UPDATE 3: Fox Sports Net’s Totally NASCAR reports that NASCAR will hear the appeal Saturday, Nov 16th in the morning and expect to announce a decision later that afternoon. The appeal will be heard by a three-member panel from the National Stock Car Racing Commission. If the appeal is denied, Roush could then take its appeal to NASCAR national commissioner Charles Strang.(11-13-2002)
  UPDATE 4: A three-man board representing the National Stock Car Racing Commission has been selected to hear Roush Racing’s appeal of penalties of Winston Cup driver and owner points and money following a spring violation two weeks ago at North Carolina Speedway. NSCRC chairman George Silbermann and commission members Johnny Capels and John Bishop are scheduled to hear Roush Racing’s appeal somewhere on the grounds of Homestead-Miami Speedway Saturday morning at 8:00am/et.(NASCAR.com)(11-15-2002)
  UPDATE 5: per NBC’s BGN race coverage, the National Stock Car Racing Commission has denied Roush Racing appeal, so the penalty stands and Martin remains 89 points behind Stewart. Roush Racing could still appeal to NASCAR national commissioner Charles Strang. Imagine that decision would depend on what happens in the race on Sunday.(also see a story at ThatsRacin.com and at NASCAR.com)(11-16-2002)
• Roush undecided on appeal: Jack Roush, who has until Wednesday to appeal the $5,000 fine and 25-point penalties levied against Mark Martin’s #6 team after last week’s race at Rockingham, has not yet decided what he’s going to do. Roush says he has little faith in the fairness of NASCAR’s appeals process, calling it “a kangaroo court,” but that lawyers advising the team have suggested that going through with an appeal may be helpful if Roush Racing takes legal action against the company that manufactured the spring that led to the penalty. Martin lost 25 driver points, Roush was docked 25 car owner points and crew chief Ben Leslie was fined $5,000 because the left-front spring on the #6 Ford that Martin drove to second did not have the minimum 4½ coils required under NASCAR rules. Team officials said this week the spring provided no competitive advantage and that it came directly from the box after being purchased from a NASCAR-approved parts manufacturer. “They gave us a part that was presented to us with the implied warranty that it was acceptable to NASCAR’s rules,” Roush told he Associated Press. “For us to have the opportunity to get our relief from them, we may have to go through the appeal process so that we’ve done what we could to get our relief before we go after the spring manufacturer.” The penalty means Martin is 112 points behind championship leader Tony Stewart going into the final two races.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-10-2002)
• Martin’s car fails inspection UPDATE 2 Penalized 25 points/ Roush may appeal: #6-Mark Martin finished second at Rockingham and appeared had cut #20-Tony Stewart’s lead in the Winston Cup standings from 146 to 87 points. But during post-race inspection, NASCAR discovered that the left-front spring on Martin’s Ford did not have the minimum requirement of 4½ coils – it had 4 3/8 coils. NASCAR spokesperson Danielle Frye said penalties would not be announced until Monday at the earliest, but the same violation has drawn fines and 25-point penalties earlier this season. A similar points penalty would leave Martin 112 points back with two races remaining.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-3-2002)
  UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today penalties for the #6 Ford team in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series because of a rule violation found following Sunday’s race at North Carolina Speedway. Mark Martin, driver of the #6 Ford, has been penalized 25 series championship points. In addition, Martin’s team owner Jack Roush has been penalized 25 car owner points. A $5,000 fine was issued to crew chief Ben Leslie. All three were penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup rule book (“Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules.”), because of an unapproved front spring. The left front coil spring on the #6 Ford had approximately 4 3/8 (four-and-three-eighths) coils. The required minimum number of coils is 4 1/2 (four-and-one-half). This is the third time this season officials have taken points from NASCAR Winston Cup teams because of unapproved coil springs.(NASCAR PR) Martin now has 4437 points (4462-25), which puts him down 112 points now.(11-4-2002)
  UPDATE 2: Roush Racing President Geoff Smith says the team may appeal NASCAR’s decision to take away 25 Winston Cup points from Mark Mark because his car had an unapproved spring in Sunday’s race at North Carolina Speedway. “We are evaluating all avenues of recourse available to us, including invoking the NASCAR appeals process and have asked our outside counsel to assess our options for recourse against the manufacturer and distributor of the spring,” Smith said today. “We quite naturally are upset that we received exactly the same penalty as that imposed on two other teams that altered springs with the expectation of obtaining a performance advantage.” NASCAR said Roush Racing’s No. 6 Ford was found with an improper left front spring after Martin drove it to second place in the Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn 400. The sanctioning body penalized Martin 25 driver points, took away 25 car owner points from team owner Jack Roush and fined crew chief Ben Leslie $5,000 because the spring had 4 3/8 coils instead of the m ndated 4 1/2. NASCAR noted that it was the third time this year that a driver and team had lost points because of spring problems. Martin, who has finished second in the Winston Cup championship three times, said the “unaltered spring… had no performance difference…. I feel like we just got the death sentence for shoplifting. Everyone in the garage knows that it was an honest mistake and provided absolutely zero advantage at that track.” If the penalty stands Martin will go into the season’s final two races 112 points behind championship leader Tony Stewart.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(11-5-2002)
• Been asked – What are jacking bolts? thanks to Scott of Body Dynamics for an answer: A Jack Bolt (jack Screw)(Screw jack) is positioned at all four corners
  of the car on top of the springs. They are used to compress and release compression on the springs to adjust and fine tune the
  suspension setup of the car. They are also used to position the ride heights of the car. When you remove the springs you car turn the Jack bolt back to the original position which is usually done by counting the rounds or turns of the bolt then adjust from there. Also they are a quick alternative to replaces springs quickly.(10-31-2002)
• Beam Fined: NASCAR officials announced today that Mike Beam, crew chief of the #32 Ford in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, has been fined $500 for a rule violation last weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Beam was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book (“Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules.”) for use of unapproved jacking bolts.(NASCAR PR)(10-30-2002)
• #22 Docked 25 points and fined $10,000: NASCAR officials announced that NASCAR Winston Cup Series owner Bill Davis, along with team crew chief Frank Stoddard and driver Ward Burton, received penalties for an infraction that occurred at Sunday’s NASCAR Winston Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. The #22 Caterpillar Dodge of Bill Davis Racing was found to have unapproved front springs during post-race inspection and all three individuals were penalized under Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “…Actions detrimental to stock car racing…” and Section 12-4-Q, “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules.” The coil winding of the front springs was not evenly spaced and did not meet the standards set forth in the rule book. Davis was penalized 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship car owner points; Burton was penalized 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship driver points; and Stoddard was fined $10,000. Davis now has 2,966 championship car owner points and drops from 26th to 27th in the standings. Burton also has 2,966 points, and drops from 24th to 25th in the drivers’ championship standings.(NASCAR.com)(10-22-2002)
• Bodine placed on Probation UPDATE Statement: NASCAR officials announced today that Todd Bodine, driver of the #26 Ford in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, has been placed on probation until Dec. 31. Bodine was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup rule book (“Actions detrimental to stock car racing: careless driving”). If, during the remaining NASCAR events in 2002, there is another action by Bodine that is deemed by NASCAR officials as detrimental to the event or is disruptive to the orderly conduct of an event, he will receive an indefinite suspension from NASCAR. “We’ve noticed numerous on-track incidents involving Todd and we felt this was the proper step to take at this time,” said John Darby, NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director. On Sunday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Bodine was involved in a multi-car accident on Lap 231.(NASCAR PR)(10-16-2002)
  UPDATE: Statement on Probation – “I respect NASCAR’s decision and I am putting what happened in Charlotte behind me..I made a mistake and that’s it. Right now I am concentrating on Martinsville and this Haas-Carter race team. I’ve got a pole to defend and if all goes well, a chance to win the race.” -Todd Bodine.(10-17-2002)
• #9 Crew Chief Fined: NASCAR also issued a fine to Mike Ford, crew chief of the #9 Dodge because team member Phil Gould went onto pit road during the race without a helmet. Ford was fined $2,000 and penalized under Section 9-4-A (“The crew chief assumes the responsibility for the actions of his team members.”) and Section 12-17-A3 (“Crew member entered the car servicing area without a helmet”)(NASCAR PR)(10-16-2002)
• Penalties announced, Rusty Wallace and team loses 25 points: NASCAR officials announced today that three members of the #2 Miller Lite Ford team in the Cup Series have been either penalized or fined because of rule violations last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Rusty Wallace, driver of the #2 Ford, has been penalized 25 series championship points. In addition, Wallace’s car owner Roger Penske has been penalized 25 car owner points and the team’s crew chief Bill Wilburn has been fined $25,000. All three were in violation of Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup rule book (“Actions detrimental to stock car racing.”) and Section 12-4-Q (“Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules.”) because their car was found to have an unapproved spoiler. The spoiler was found to have an inconsistent thickness. (Wallace’s point total is now 3786 (was 3811) but he maintains 5th in Drivers Points, but drops to 6th in Owners Points)
  NASCAR also issued three other fines because of rule violations at Talladega. All violations were found during the weekend’s initial inspection process on Oct. 4. The other fines:
  A $1,000 fine, under sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q to Ben Leslie, crew chief of the #6 Viagra Ford. The car was found to have unapproved rear window straps.
  A $1,000 fine, under sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q to Mike Hillman, crew chief of the #14 Conseco Pontiac. The car was found to have an unapproved lower rear coil spring mount.
  A $1,000 fine, under sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q to Thomas Klein, crew chief of the #11 Hooters Ford. The car also was found to have an unapproved lower rear coil spring mount.(NASCAR PR)(10-8-2002)
• #55 Crew Chief Suspended a Week UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today that NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Jimmy Elledge has received a one-week suspension due to a probation violation. Elledge’s suspension will be effective immediately, which will force him to miss Sunday’s Cup race at Kansas Speedway. In addition to the suspension, which ends Oct. 2, Elledge was fined $5,000 for unapproved air directional devices that were found last Friday during pre-qualifying inspection at Dover International Speedway. Elledge, crew chief for the #55 Chevrolet, was fined and placed on probation Aug. 27 following the race at Michigan International Speedway for unapproved fuel cell spacers. His probation continues until Dec. 21. “We felt this was the necessary action to take, considering he was already on probation,” said NASCAR Winston Cup Series Director John Darby. Elledge was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules.”(NASCAR PR)(9-25-2002)
  UPDATE: team owner, Andy Petree, will assume the crew chief duries this week at Kansas for Greg Biffle.(9-27-2002)
• Knaus Fined by NASCAR: NASCAR officials have fined NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Chad Knaus $5,000 for his use of inappropriate language during a televised interview after Sunday’s races at Dover. Knaus, crew chief of the #48 Lowe’s Chevy, was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Actions detrimental to stock car racing: use of improper language.”(NASCAR PR)(9-23-2002)
• Berrier fined, points taken away: Todd Berrier, crew chief of the #30 Chevrolet Monte Carlo of driver Jeff Green, was fined $5,000 for an unapproved left front spring found in post-race inspection at Richmond. The coil winding of the spring was not evenly spaced and did not meet the standards set forth in the rule book. He was penalized under Section 12-4-Q: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules.” The infraction also cost Green 25 driver points and team owner Richard Childress 25 owner points.(NASCAR PR)(9-10-2002)
• Ward $5,000 lighter in the Wallet: NASCAR today fined Ward Burton $5,000 for throwing his shoe heat shields at Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car during last Saturday night’s Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. NASCAR said Burton was penalized for “actions detrimental to stock car racing.”(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(8-29-2002)
• Mike Beam Fined: NASCAR officials have fined Mike Beam, crew chief for the #32 Ford, $2,500 for a violation that occurred during Sunday’s Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway. Beam was penalized under Sections 9-4A and 12-17-A(3): “The crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members; crew member Pat Smith entered the car servicing area without a helmet.”(NASCAR PR)(7-30-2002)
• #88 Too Low; #28 Unapproved part UPDATE – Penalties/fines: Dale Jarrett’s #88 Ford was found to be approximately 1/8th of an inch below the 51-inch minimum height requirement following post-race inspection. Jarrett finished third in Sunday’s New England 300. NASCAR spokesperson Danielle Frye said it was likely Jarrett’s team would be penalized driver and car owner points for the infraction. In the past, fines have been the typical penalty for such violations.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-21-2002)
  AND – NASCAR finds unapproved part on #28: NASCAR officials confiscated an unapproved jacking bolt from the No. 28 Ford of driver Ricky Rudd during pre-qualifying inspection on Friday. A fine is likely.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-22-2002)
  PENALTIES ANNOUNCED: NASCAR officials penalized two NASCAR Winston Cup crew chiefs today for infractions discovered during this past weekend’s New England 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H.
  Todd Parrott, crew chief of the #88 Ford Taurus, was fined $20,000 and his team was also penalized 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship driver points as well as 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship owner points. Parrott’s team was penalized under Section 12-4-T of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any car that is found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion of time trials, qualifying races, or the race.” The #88 car was approximately one-eighth of an inch too low. The minimum height requirement is 51 inches.
  Michael McSwain, crew chief of the #28 Ford Taurus, was fined $500 and penalized under Sections 12-4-Q and 20-12-1A: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules; unapproved jacking bolt.”(NASCAR PR)(7-22-2002)
• Penalties Announced: NASCAR officials announced penalties against five NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chiefs following this past weekend’s Tropicana 400 at. Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill.
  Tony Eury, Sr., crew chief of the #8 Budweiser Chevy Monte Carlo, was fined $2,500 and penalized under section 12-4-Q in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: unapproved use of refrigerant near the fuel system.”
  Greg Zipadelli, crew chief of the #20 Home Depot Pontiac and Steven Lane, crew chief of the #45 Sprint Dodge, were both fined $500 and penalized under section 12-4-Q and Section 20-12-1A: unapproved jacking bolts. Lane also received a fine of $2,500 for having unapproved fender braces (adjustable), section 20.3.6.F.
  Brandon Thomas, crew chief of the #43 Cheerios Dodge and Greg Steadman, crew chief of the #44 Georgia Pacific Dodge, received fines of $2,500 each and penalized under section 12-4-Q and section 20-16-4.1: unapproved fuel filler neck that exceeded the maximum size.(NASCAR PR)(7-18-2002)
• NASCAR announces penalties – Johnson loses 25 points: NASCAR officials levied fines Wednesday against seven Cup crew chiefs and one BGN crew chief for infractions discovered during this past weekend’s races at Daytona. Chad Knaus, crew chief of the #48 Chevy, was fined $25,000 and his team was also penalized 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship driver points as well as 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship owner points. Knaus’ NASCAR Winston Cup team was penalized under Section 12-4-A of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Actions detrimental to stock car racing: offset mounting bolts for the front of the truck trailing arms.” Other NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chiefs fined for various infractions following this past weekend included: Scott Eggleston, crew chief of the #33 Chevy and Jimmy Elledge, crew chief of the #55 Chevy were fined $500 and penalized in accordance to Section 20-2-E: “Underpans will not be permitted”; Newt Moore, crew chief of the #36 Pontiac, James Ince, crew chief of the #10 Pontiac and Lee McCall, crew chief of the #40 Dodge all received $500 fines and penalized under Sections 12-4-Q and 20-12-1A: “Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules; Section 20-12.1A (3); Unapproved jacking bolts.” Chris Carrier, crew chief of the #4 Chevy, was also fined an $500 and penalized under Sections 12-4-Q and 20-10-6J: “Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules; Section 20-10.6.J: Magnetic rear axle heating pads.” In the BGN, crew chief Jason Ratcliff of the #27 Pontiac, was fined $2,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2002 BGN rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules; Unapproved rear spring.”(NASCAR PR)(7-10-2002)
• #5 Crew Chief Penalized: NASCAR officials announced that Jim Long, crew chief of the #5 Chevy, has been fined $20,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2002 for a rule violation found during pre-race inspection at Sunday’s Sirius Satellite Radio 400 at Michigan. Long was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: Fuel Cell.” The penalty was a result of the team attempting to increase the capacity of the fuel cell through pressure.(NASCAR PR)(6-18-2002)
• Points Instead of Money? NASCAR chairman Bill France said Sunday he would like to see the sanctioning body turn to a penalty system that takes points away from teams instead of the standard fines. NASCAR almost never takes points away from a team because its the core of the race for the Winston Cup championship. Instead, teams are fined and the money is put into the point fund that is split among the drivers at the end of the season. But NASCAR president Mike Helton recently warned teams that deduction of points could become the norm because of a recent rash of cars failing postrace inspections. France said he favored that route because monetary penalties on the lower-tier teams creates a lingering hardship.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(6-17-2002)
• Points and maybe wins taken away? UPDATE: during FX’s Stacker2 pre-race show and FSN’s NASCAR This Morning, it was mentioned that NASCAR may take championship points and maybe even a win if rules infractions like a car being too low is found during post race inspection as it is happening too often.
  UPDATE: NASCAR President Mike Helton offered a stern warning to Winston Cup owners and crew chiefs during Sunday’s pre-race driver meeting regarding the number of recent violators of NASCAR’s minimum height requirement. Last week, NASCAR fined driver Mark Martin’s crew chief $50,000 after his #6 Ford failed to meet the minimum 51-inch height requirement following Martin’s win in the Coca-Cola 600. In the past year, drivers the cars of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth have failed to meet the minimum height following race victories, as well. Up to now, NASCAR has typically fined the crew chief for the violation. Helton said Sunday that may change. “We seem to have a rash of cars after the race is over with that cannot meet the minimum height,” Helton said. “So far, we have chosen only to use a fine as a reaction. I just want to make sure that everybody understood there are other options NASCAR can use if it keeps going this way.”(ThatsRacin.com)(6-2-2002)
• Martin’s car too low UPDATE crew chief fined:: Mark Martin’s #6 Ford failed post-race inspection, measuring about an eighth of an inch below the minimum height. The win and points will likely stand, given NASCAR’s recent history on such infractions, but the driver could face penalties. NASCAR is expected to announce sanctions, if any, early in the week.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-26-2002)
  UPDATE: NASCAR has announced that Ben Leslie, crew chief of the #6 Viagra Ford, received a $50,000 fine for a rule violation found during post-race inspection following Sunday’s Coca-Cola Racing Family 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Leslie was penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any car that is found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion… of the race.” The minimum height requirement is 51 inches – the No. 6 car was approximately 1/8 of an inch too low.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-28-2002)
• NASCAR looking at Gordon-Busch incident UPDATE Busch fined: An incident in the final segment of The Winsotn involving drivers #97-Kurt Busch and #31-Robby Gordon has Gordon still steaming and has raised the ire of NASCAR officials. With #12-Ryan Newman seemingly driving away from the rest of the field in the final 20-lap segment, Busch had closed in behind Gordon, who was trying to move #20-Tony Stewart from second place. Busch then tagged Gordon’s car from behind, spinning him out and causing a caution. In addition to the accident itself, Gordon was even more upset with Busch’s comments after the race. “It was just a good learning deal for us and we had a shot at the win and hated to use Robby Gordon as a yellow, but I think we needed a yellow there at the end,” Busch said. “Cars were checking up. Stewart got a little loose in the middle of one, Robby Gordon got underneath him. When two cars race side-by-side that third car picks up the draft. He got loose right before I hit him. I bumped him, that’s part of it. I think we needed a yellow so we could put on a good show there at the end.” NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Wednesday the sanctioning body was reviewing both the incident on the track and Busch’s comments following the race. “It is safe to say we’re looking into it,” Hunter said. In the past, NASCAR has come down hard on drivers who intentionally attempt to bring out a caution flag. Although some leeway is a given for an all-star event like The Winston, Busch’s willingness to admit to his intent has several in the sport. Even before the Busch-Gordon incident, NASCAR was already unhappy with several drivers’ actions on the track. Elliott Sadler, Kevin Harvick and Newman were all admonished for incidents during the race. Newman pushed Sadler up into the wall causing a wreck. Sadler responded by waiting for Newman’s car to come back around the track and Sadler threw his helmet at the car. Harvick and Newman got into their own bumping match while under a caution. Lowe’s Motor Speedway President Humpy Wheeler said he was surprised Busch admitted to his actions.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-21-2002)
  UPDATE: NASCAR penalized Kurt Busch $10,000 Thursday for intentionally driving into Robby Gordon’s Chevrolet with five laps remaining in The Winston last Saturday night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Busch was fined under section 12-4-A in the 2002 Winston Cup Series rulebook, which cites “actions detremental to stock car racing…” “It was a bit harsh for what happened in a non-points event, but that was Saturday and this is Thursday,” Busch said. “It was for the remarks after Saturday’s event.”(NASCAR.com). See many driver comments at ThatsRacin.com: Busch fined $10,000; reaction is harsh(5-23-2002)
• Penalties at The Winston? UPDATE: ThatsRacin.com is reporting: #21-Elliott Sadler, #29-Kevin Harvick and race winner #12-Ryan Newman were all told to report to the NASCAR hauler following the race for incidents each was involved in during Saturday night’s Winston. On Lap 43, Newman edged Sadler up the track and Sadler hit the Turn 2 wall, sending him to the garage. Before Sadler left the scene of the wreck, he took off his helmet and threw it at Newman’s car as he passed by. Newman was called to the hauler for hitting Sadler, while Sadler was called in for throwing the helmet. Harvick and Newman traded bumps while under caution and Harvick was called in for that incident. NASCAR spokesperson Danielle Frye said Sadler will likely receive a penalty for his actions, which would be announced Monday.(5-19-2002)
  UPDATE: FSN’s Totally NASCAR reports that Elliott Sadler was fined $5,000 by NASCAR for throwing his helmet at Ryan Newman’s car during The Winston.(5-20-2002)
  AND NASCAR officials announced that driver Elliott Sadler has been fined $5,000 for his actions this past weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Sadler, driver of the #21 Ford, threw his helmet at another competitor’s car [#12 Ryan Newman] and was penalized under Section 12-4-A of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rule Book: œActions detrimental to stock car racing.(NASCAR PR)(5-21-2002)
• Crew Chiefs Fined: NASCAR officials announced that crew chiefs Todd Parrott of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Marc Reno of the NASCAR Busch Series have been fined $2,500 each for rules infractions that occurred this past weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Parrott, crew chief for NASCAR Winston Cup driver Dale Jarrett, was issued the fine for having an improperly attached weight on the #88 car, which was found during qualifying inspection for the Pontiac Excitement 400. Reno, crew chief for the NASCAR #1 Busch Series entry of Jimmy Spencer, was fined for having hollow rear axle “U” bolts on the car during Friday’s Hardee’s 250.(NASCAR PR)(5-8-2002)
• Penalties announced: NASCAR officials have announced penalties for five Cup crew chiefs and a BGN crew chief for rules violations that occurred during the race weekend at Talladega.
  Steve Lane, crew chief of the #45 Dodge Intrepid, received $1,500 in fines for rules violations found during pre-race inspection prior to the Aaron’s 499 on April 21. Lane was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: rear spoiler.” He received a $1,000 fine for the rear spoiler and in addition was fined $500 and penalized under Section 12-4-U: “fuel cell container thickness less than 20 gage”.
  Michael McSwain, crew chief of the #28 Ford Taurus and Paul Andrews, crew chief of the #1 Chevy, both received $1,000 fines and were penalized under Section 12-4-Q: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: axles.”
  Crew chief of the #11 Ford, Doug Richert, was fined $500 and penalized under the same section for having a fuel cell check valve filler neck that exceeded 2-1/8 inches.
  Buddy Barnes, crew chief of the #7 Dodge, was fined $250 and penalized for having a fuel cell vent that exceeded 1-1/4 inches.
  Gary Cogswell, crew chief of the #36 BGN Dodge team, was fined $1,000 and penalized under section 12-4-Q for an aluminum brake pedal.
  In addition, following this past weekend’s NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at California Speedway, three penalties were issued to the following crew chiefs:
  Mike Beam, crew chief of the #32 Ford, was fined $500 for not returning the impact data recorder box to NASCAR officials after the race.
  Greg Steadman, crew chief for the #43 Dodge and Bryant Frazier, crew chief of the #44 Dodge, were both fined $1,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: axles.”(NASCAR PR)(4-30-2002)
• Penalties Announced: NASCAR officials have announced penalties for two NASCAR Winston Cup crew chiefs. Jimmy Fennig, crew chief of the #97 Ford, received a $1,000 fine for a rule violation found during pre-race inspection prior to Sunday’s Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Fennig was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: deck lid.” Charley Pressley, crew chief of the #55 Chevy, received a $500 fine and was penalized under Section 12-4-W, “Weight attached in a location that was not acceptable to NASCAR Officials.”(NASCAR PR)(4-16-2002)
• Last Time Time a Driver was suspended: Until Sunday, no NASCAR Cup driver had been banished from a race since D.K. Ulrich in 1987. In 1991, Junior Johnson’s team was banned for three races after an engine violation uncovered at The Winston.(Gaston Gazette), also in Jeff Burton’s rookie year, 1994, the #8 Stavola Brother’s car was disqualified at Richmond in September after the roll bars were found to have holes in them.(4-15-2002)
• Harvick Fined: NASCAR officials announced that driver Kevin Harvick has been fined $35,000 and his probation has been extended through the remainder of the year for his actions this past weekend at Martinsville Speedway. NASCAR also put Harvick on notice during this probationary period that if there are any actions, in NASCAR’s opinion, that are deemed detrimental to the sport or disruptive to the orderly conduct of an event, he will be suspended indefinitely. Harvick, already on probation following an incident March 23 during the BGN race at Bristol, was initially “parked” by NASCAR officials after an on-track incident with Coy Gibbs during Saturday’s Truck Series race. The penalty was then extended to include Sunday’s Virginia 500 NASCAR Winston Cup event. Following further review of the incident by NASCAR officials, a fine was levied and Harvick’s probation, originally scheduled to conclude Aug. 28, was extended through the end of the calendar year to Tuesday, Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)(4-15-2002)
• Childress Statement: Statement from Richard Childress regarding NASCAR’s “Parking” of Kevin Harvick: “NASCAR had to do something in response to Kevin’s actions during the Truck race yesterday, but I think their response was completely wrong. I have not seen the clip of Kevin’s actions during the Truck race so I can’t comment on what he did. He has had problems in the Busch and Truck Series and had been on probation for his actions, but the decision to ‘park’ him during the Winston Cup race is wrong. NASCAR should keep the actions and punishments separate to each series. This should be Kevin’s punishment only, but what NASCAR is doing is punishing the tens of thousands of race fans who probably didn’t know until they got to the track this morning that Kevin won’t be allowed to race today. NASCAR is also punishing the entire No. 29 team and all of Richard Childress Racing for one person’s actions. NASCAR is also punishing GM Goodwrench Service, who has been nothing but loyal to RCR and the sport for many years. This is only my opinion. I will sit down with Kevin Monday morning to discuss what happened and how we will proceed from here.”(RCR PR)(4-14-2002)
• Harvick Parked for Martinsville, Kenny Wallace in the #29 for the race: Winston Cup driver #29-Kevin Harvick has been “parked” by NASCAR officials and will not be allowed to drive in Sunday’s Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR officials confirmed Sunday morning. A formal announcement of the action is expected at the track Sunday morning. Kenny Wallace will drive Harvick’s #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy Sunday. He would have to start at the rear of the field since he did not qualify the car. Harvick’s “parking” – defined in the NASCAR rulebook as an emergency action that is “final, non-appealable and non-reviewable” – comes in response to NASCAR officials’ demand he park his truck after spinning Coy Gibbs in Saturday’s CTS race at Martinsville. Harvick and Gibbs tangled on the track several times over the course of several laps. Gibbs spun Harvick one time exiting Turn 4. Following a caution on Lap 188, Harvick rammed Gibbs’ rear bumper entering Turn 1 and finally spun him exiting Turn 2. NASCAR had enough, black-flagged Harvick and parked him for the day. Harvick parked his #6 Chevy in front of the Truck series hauler near pit road. He was told to report to the NASCAR hauler and met with series officials for nearly 90 minutes following the race. Harvick was already under probation from his post-race incident with Greg Biffle at the BGN race at Bristol last month. Harvick was fined $15,000 and placed on probation until Aug. 28. After Sunday’s race, Harvick may receive a more traditional suspension, which could be appealed under NASCAR rules, sources said.(ThatsRacin.com), also see NASCAR.com: The Buzz: Harvick suspension imminent? and Harvick ordered to meet with NASCAR after incident. AND from the Kenny Wallace site: An emergency call sends Kenny Wallace to Martinsville. NASCAR and Richard Childress called DEI to release Wallace for the Martinsville race. Wallace drove to Martinsville and is staying with bother Rusty for the night.AND RacingOne.com reports that a press conference with #29 car owner Richard Childress was scheduled for 9:00am/et at Martinsville Speedway, while Harvick was to address the media at 10:00am/et.AND NASCAR.com announces: Harvick not allowed to drive in Virginia 500: NASCAR’s statement: “NASCAR officials have announced they have “parked” NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick until the conclusion of the Virginia 500 NASCAR Winston Cup event at Martinsville Speedway. Harvick, on probation following an incident at Bristol Motor Speedway March 23 for actions during a NASCAR Busch Series event, was parked during Saturday’s Advance Auto Parts 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. That time has been extended, preventing him, but not the No. 29 RCR Winston Cup team, from participating through the completion of the event at Martinsville.”(4-14-2002)
• Crew Chief’s fined: NASCAR announced today that BGN crew chiefs Charles Hylton and Gregg Mixon have been fined $5,000 each for rules infractions that occurred during this past weekend’s event at Darlington Raceway. Hylton, crew chief for the #21 car of Jeff Green, and Mixon, crew chief for the #44 car of Mike Harmon, were cited for actions detrimental to stock car racing and the use of parts or equipment in an event that do not conform to NASCAR rules. Both cars were found to have carburetor-related violations as determined by NASCAR officials.(NASCAR PR)(3-21-2002)
• Expect Harvick and R Gordon to be fined and penalized UPDATE penalties announced: #31-Robby Gordon and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. were called to the NASCAR hauler to meet with series officials following Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol. The two traded bumps several times during the race, and after the race ended, Gordon drove his No. 31 Chevrolet into the back of Earnhardt Jr.’s car on pit road, turning it around. NASCAR officials said they planned to review the incident and that Gordon would likely be penalized in a similar fashion to Tony Stewart, who was fined $10,000 last year for spinning Jeff Gordon on pit road. After the pit road incident, Robby Gordon drove to the garage area, while Earnhardt Jr. stopped on pit road for media interviews, as is common for drivers who finish in the top five (Earnhardt Jr. was fourth). As Earnhardt Jr. was getting out of his car, Mike Scearce, the jack man for Gordon’s team, ran up to Earnhardt Jr.’s car and Scearce and members of Earnhardt Jr.’s team exchanged obscenities before they were separated.(ThatsRacin.com)
  AND Kevin Harvick likely faces a large fine and probation for his actions on pit road following Saturday’s Channellock 250 BGTN race at Bristol. Greg Biffle hit Harvick’s car exiting Turn 4 on Lap 240, sending Harvick into the wall. Harvick waited in a pit stall on the frontstretch until the race was over and when Biffle brought his #60 Ford on pit road, Harvick charged after him and the two locked arms for nearly a minute before they were separated(actually jumped on and over Biffle’s car). Saturday afternoon, Harvick, his crew chief, Kevin Hamlin, and car owner, Richard Childress, all met with NASCAR officials. Childress met with NASCAR President Mike Helton again early Sunday morning, and Childress, Harvick and Helton met again for 25 minutes later Sunday morning. Harvick had to cancel an appearance in the hospitality village Sunday morning because of his meeting with Helton. Helton said penalties against Harvick will be issued this week, perhaps as early as Monday. “I think the issue we have to deal with, is how disruptive Harvick’s actions were and how detrimental his actions were to the overall scheme of things,” Helton said. Childress agreed that NASCAR had to take some action. Not only was Harvick frustrated with having his car wrecked, but he was shaken by the wreck itself. “It was a tough hit,” Childress said. “He couldn’t walk hardly last night. He’s really hurting today.”(ThatsRacin.com)(3-25-2002)
  UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers Robby Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr., for intentionally running into each other’s car during the cool-down lap of the Food City 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. Gordon, driver of the #31 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 28th. Earnhardt Jr. was fined $5,000. Both drivers were penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing.”
  A penalty was also levied against driver Kevin Harvick for his actions in the pits following Saturday’s Channellock 250 NASCAR Busch Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Harvick, driver of the #29 NASCAR Busch Series team, was fined $15,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 28th. He was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series rule book: “actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing.”(NASCAR PR)(3-25-2002)
• Penalties: NASCAR issued two penalties Saturday for rules violations found over the past week in the Winston Cup and Grand National series. Tony Furr, crew chief for the #25 Chevys and driver Jerry Nadeau in the Winston Cup series, was fined $25,000 after the car did not meet the minimum height requirement following Thursday’s 125-mile qualifying race. The minimum height requirement is 51 inches, measured from the center of the roof, and the #25 was found to be approximately 1/8th of an inch too low. In the BGN, a $5,000 fine was levied against Fred Bickford, crew chief for the #94 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Spraker. NASCAR officials confiscated the engine from the car, as internal components did not meet the minimum weight requirements.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-16-2002)
• Penalty Upheld: NASCAR has denied Larry Carter’s appeal of his $10,000 fine following the race at Talladega. Carter, crew chief for the #66 Kmart Ford driven by Todd Bodine, was involved in an altercation in [#29] Kevin Harvick’s pit area after Harvick’s car struck Bodine’s from the rear, spinning Bodine into the wall and out of the race. On Harvick’s next pit stop, Carter jumped over the pit wall and shouted something at Harvick through the window net.(SpeedVision)(10-30-2001)
• NASCAR announces Penalties: NASCAR Officials announced that Tony Eury, Sr., crew chief of the #8 Chevy received a $25,000 fine for a rule violation found during post-race inspection following Sunday’s EA Sports 500 at Talladega. Eury, Sr., was penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any car that is found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion& of the race”. The minimum height requirement is 51 inches – the #8 car was 1/8 of an inch under this requirement.
  Larry Carter, crew chief for the #66 Ford Taurus, was fined $10,000 and placed on probation (until the end of the season) for being involved in an altercation in another competitor.s pit area. Carter is suspended from NASCAR until all fines are paid.
  Terry Spalding, team member of the #26 Ford Taurus, was fined $5,000 and placed on indefinite suspension from NASCAR for the unauthorized use of his NASCAR License – selling credentials.
  Additional fines were levied against the following crew chiefs for rules violations discovered in inspection prior to the EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and were penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform& or have not been approved by NASCAR”.
  Crew Chiif, Car#, Rule Violation, Fine
  Bobby King, #90 Ford, Rear Deck Lid, $5,000
  Michael McSwain, #28, Rear Deck Lid, $5,000
  Peter Sospenzo, #12, Fuel Cell, $5,000
  Peter Sospenzo, #12, Underpans, $500
  Chad Knaus, #92, Windshield clips (too small), $750
  Jimmy Elledge, #55, Travel limiting devices (bump stops), $2,500
  Slugger Labbe, #15, Rear window braces, $250
  Paul Andrews, #1, Rear window braces, $1,000
  Paul Andrews, #1, Unapproved air deflector, $1,250
  Donnie Wingo, #26, Unapproved air deflector, $250(NASCAR PR)(10-22-2001)
• Nelson Speaks on Penalty UPDATE Stewart Column: Winston Cup series director Gary Nelson, who was involved in the post-race altercations by driver Tony Stewart last week at Daytona, said he isn’t surprised by the varied reactions to the penalty assessed Stewart by NASCAR on Wednesday. NASCAR fined Stewart $10,000 and extended his probation through the end of the 2001 season for confrontations with Nelson and Winston-Salem Journal motorsports writer Mike Mulhern last weekend. Stewart was also told to apologize to Mulhern and NASCAR fans. “I think it’s like any decision NASCAR makes; I’ve heard it both ways. I’ve heard people say it was too much, I’ve heard it wasn’t enough, I’ve heard we should have handled it differently,” Nelson said. “It’s pretty much like we’re batting a thousand with decisions we make. We’re not pleasing everybody. That’s the way it works.”(That’s Racin’)
  UPDATE: Winston-Salem Journal motorsports writer Mike Mulhern has a column up about Tomy Stewart at Tony the Tiger – Stewart brings an unbridled passion to his work(7-15-2001)
• Stewart Fined:: Tony Stewart was fined $10,000 by NASCAR as a result of confrontations following Saturday night’s Pepsi 400 at Daytona. Stewart’s probation was also extended(That’s Racin’) AND additionally, Stewart, who was already under probation by the sanctioning body stemming from an incident at Bristol in March, had his probation extended from Aug. 29, to Nov. 21, 2001. If he further violates the probation, he could be fined and/or lose championship points, finishing positions and suspension from NASCAR. In addition to the fine and the probation extension, Stewart will be required to issue a formal apology to a media member(Mulhern) for his confrontational actions on Saturday night, as well as issue a formal apology to NASCAR fans(NASCAR.com)(7-11-2001)
• Gibbs Sponsor: SDRC announced it has renewed and expanded the company’s marketing alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing with a five-year contract effective immediately. The Gibbs’ engineering team uses I-DEAS(R) on Hewlett-Packard Company’s workstation platform for design, analysis, and manufacturing requirements on the team’s high-performance racecars(Business Wire)(7-11-2001)
• McSwain Fined: Michael McSwain, the crew chief for Ricky Rudd’s No. 28 Winston Cup Ford, was fined $250 for an unapproved part found on that car before the Kmart 400 at Michigan on June 10.(That’s Racin’)(6-20-2001)
• Penalties UPDATE: NASCAR Officials announced today the suspension of a NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief for rules violations discovered in inspection prior to Sunday’s NAPA 500 at California Speedway in Fontana, CA. Mike Beam, crew chief of the #32 Ford Taurus, received a two-race suspension (until May 22, 2001-suspended from the next two NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship or Invitational Events) and a $5,000 fine for not having the manufacturer’s date visible on the seat belts. Beam was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform… or have not been approved by NASCAR…” Along with the above-mentioned penalty, Beam was issued another $500 fine for rules violations (roof camera shell not within the proper dimension) discovered in inspection prior to the Talladega 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala. He was penalized under Section 12-4-Q, “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform… or have not been approved by NASCAR…” Robin Pemberton, crew chief for the No. 2 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was penalized for rules violations (fuel cell top rack) discovered in inspection prior to the NAPA 500 at California Speedway in Fontana, CA. Pemberton was fined $500 and penalized under section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book. Additional fines were levied against the following crew chiefs for rules violations discovered in inspection prior to the Talladega 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and were penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: #96-Joe Garone, Roof camera shell not within proper dimension, $500; #28-Michael McSwain, Fuel cell top rack, $500; #8-Tony Eury, Sr, Fuel cell top rack, $500; #15-Scott Eggleston, Fuel cell top rack, $500; #1-Paul Andrews, Lightened lug nuts, $500(NASCAR PR)(5-2-2001)
  UPDATE: PPI Motorsports will not appeal the seat belt related fine and two-race suspension of Tide crew chief Mike Beam announced yesterday by NASCAR. Statement by Cal Wells, owner, PPI Motorsports, regarding the penalty: “As safety conscious as this team is, we would never do anything to impede the safety systems in our race cars. It’s not uncommon – nor against the rules – to remove the manufacturer name labels from seat belts to help tighten the buckles. There was an error in judgment at the car prep stage when the date labels, not just the manufacturer name labels, were also removed from what are essentially new belts. We are extremely frustrated and embarrassed by the penalty and Mike’s suspension, especially since this was not his mistake. However, I have to commend NASCAR for being consistent in enforcing the importance of paying attention to seat belts and other safety elements in Winston Cup cars.”
  Roy McCauley, race engineer for the No. 32 Tide Ford, will serve as interim crew chief for the next two races(Richmond and The Winston)(PPI Motorsports PR)(5-4-2001)
• Penalty Rescinded: On April 11, 2001, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Petty Enterprises. The appeal pertained to a $20,000 penalty issued by NASCAR to Greg Steadman, crew chief of the #43 car following the March 25, 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. In addition to other matters arising from the appeal hearing, the commission considered the issue of non-conformance to rules specifications at the conclusion of a race based on a claim of racing conditions or racing contact. In most cases, a claim of racing conditions or racing contact is not sufficient to reduce or rescind a penalty in the eyes of the Commission. The Commission notes that non-conformance to specifications at the conclusion of a race may occur by design so as to gain an advantage. The Commission recognizes and reaffirms that, per Section 8-7 of the Rule Book, NASCAR Officials have the flexibility to exercise discretion in matters pertaining to racing conditions or racing contact and to evaluate each claim on a case-by-case basis. The commission feels strongly that, unless it can be determined that the non-conformance was directly attributable to racing conditions and to no other plausible explanation, a penalty would have been correct. However, during the appeal hearing the Appellant made a persuasive argument that the only plausible explanation for the height variance at the conclusion of the race was the cracked chassis welds resulting from the conditions of the race. It is extremely unlikely that a cracked chassis would have occurred by design. Further testimony indicated that the resulting height variance did not provide a significant competitive advantage over other competitors. Therefore, it is a unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission that the penalty is hereby rescinded(NASCAR PR)(4-11-2001)
• #43 Too Low UPDATE Penalty: John Andretti’s second-place finish will stand, but there will be a penalty coming to his #43-Petty Enterprises team because his car was found to be lower than the minimum height requirement for a Winston Cup car in postrace inspection. NASCAR spokesperson Danielle Humphrey said the penalty will likely be announced Monday. Andretti’s finish is the best for a Dodge so far this season in the manufacturer’s return to Winston Cup racing(That’s Racin’)(3-25-2001)
  UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Greg Steadman for rules violations found in post-race inspection following Sunday’s Food City 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. Steadman, crew chief for the No. 43 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $20,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “…any car found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion of time trials or the race…”(NASCAR PR)(3-28-2001)
• #97 Crew Chief Penaltized and Suspended: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Matt Chambers for rules violations (shoulder harness) discovered in preliminary inspection prior to the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga. Chambers, crew chief of the #97 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $5,000 and suspended from the next two NASCAR Winston Cup Series races (suspension ends April 4, 2001). Chambers was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform… or have not been approved by NASCAR…”(NASCAR PR)(3-21-2001)
• Penalties #50: NASCAR officials announced they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Greg
  Conner for rules violations (A-frame not meeting the minimum thickness) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday’s UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. Conner, crew chief of the #50 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team,
  was fined $1,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform…or have not been approved by NASCAR…”(NASCAR PR)(3-9-2001)
• Penalties #33: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Chris Carrier for rules violations (A-frames not meeting the minimum thickness) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday’s UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. Carrier, crew chief of the #33 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $2,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR
  Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform…or have not been approved by NASCAR…”(NASCAR PR)(3-8-2001)
• Penalties #12: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Peter
  Sospenzo for rules violations (adjustable braces) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday’s UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las
  Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. Sospenzo, crew chief of the #12 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $250 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform…or have not been approved by NASCAR…”(NASCAR PR)(3-8-2001)
• Penalties #31: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Royce
  McGee for rules violations (performance enhancing additive to the air filter) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday’s UAW-Daimler
  Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev. McGee, crew chief of the #31 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $5,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-Q, 20-5.12 in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform…or have not been approved by NASCAR…”(NASCAR PR)(3-8-2001)
• #31 Fine? Mike Skinner’s #31 team could face a penalty for a parts infraction. Skinner’s carburetor intake was confiscated before qualifying after being found with a performance-enhancing additive(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-5-2001)
• Problem with the #24? UPDATE 3 Loomis Statement: NASCAR inspectors found what was described as a “height problem” with Jeff Gordon’s #24 Dupont Chevy during post-race inspection at Rockingham. Gordon led the most laps and finished third in the Dura-Lube 400 Monday. All other cars passed inspection(SpeedVision)(2-26-2001)
  UPDATE: Jeff Gordon finished third, but NASCAR officials later said his #24 Chevy did not meet the minimum height requirements. The finish is expected to stand, but Gordon’s team probably will be penalized(AJC)
  UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials announced they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Robbie Loomis for rules violations found in post-race inspection following Monday’s Dura-Lube 400 at the North Carolina Speedway. Loomis, crew chief for the #24 DuPont Chevy, was fined $25,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “…any car found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion of time trials or the race…”(NASCAR PR)(2-27-2001)
  UPDATE 3: Statement from Robbie Loomis: “I take full responsibility for what happened at Rockingham. An oversight in pre-race preparation led to a mechanical failure. A setscrew that secures a jackbolt loosened during the race – allowing the car to lower and become extremely tight. Unfortunately, I feel this incident also cost us a chance to win the event. My congratulations go to Steve Park and DEI for a great victory(HMS PR)(2-28-2001)
• Dodson Fined: NASCAR officials announced they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief Barry
  Dodson for rules violations (unapproved fuel cell check valve) discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday’s Dura-Lube 400 at North Carolina Speedway. Dodson, crew chief of the #27 Pontiac, was fined $1,000 and penalized
  under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform… or have not been approved by NASCAR…”(NASCAR PR)(2-27-2001)
• NASCAR issues a Bunch of fines and 2 suspensions: NASCAR Officials announced today the suspension of two NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chiefs for rules violations discovered in pre- and post-qualifying inspections for the Daytona 500.
  Tony Furr, crew chief of the #25 Chevy, received a four-race suspension and a $10,000 fine for not meeting the minimum height specifications following Saturday’s qualifying at Daytona. The team’s qualifying time was disallowed. Furr was penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, “Any modification that permits the lowering of a race car while in competition…” Furr was fined an additional $2,500 for fuel cell violations prior to Saturday’s qualifying. Furr was penalized under Section 12-4-U, “Any violation of fuel cell or fuel cell container specifications…” Both of these violations place Furr on probation until the end of the year. Along with the above-mentioned penalties, Furr was issued another $250 fine for adjustable braces and penalized under Section 12-4-Q, “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform: adjustable braces…” Furr’s suspension begins on Friday, Feb. 23rd at the North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC.
  Kevin Cram, crew chief of the #01 Dodge Intrepid, received a four-race suspension and a $10,000 fine for fuel violations during Saturday’s qualifying. The team’s qualifying time was disallowed. Cram was penalized under Section 12-4-AA, “Use of altered fuel or fuel other than the official fuel at the event…” Cram’s suspension will begin on Friday, Feb. 23rd at the North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC.
  Gary DeHart, crew chief of the #5 Chevy received a $5,000 fine and placed on probation for the year for roof air deflector violations prior to Saturday’s qualifying. DeHart was penalized under Section 12-4-Q: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform: roof air deflectors.” DeHart also received an additional $1,000 fine for fuel cell violations prior to Saturday’s qualifying. He was penalized under Section 12-4-U, “Any violation of fuel cell or fuel cell container specifications…”
  Additional fines were levied against the following crew chiefs for rules violations prior to Saturday’s qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona:
  Joe Garone, #96-Ford, Thin control arm,$2,500
  Mike Ford, #9-Dodge, Thin control arm, $2,500
  Robbie Loomis #24-Chevy, Unapproved fuel cell check valve, $1,000 and Unapproved air deflecto $250
  Royce McGee #31-Chevy, Unapproved underpan, $1,000
  Paul Andrews #1-Chevy, Fuel cell check valve violation, $1,000 and Oversize fuel cell container $250
  Chris Carrier #33-Chevy, Oversized fuel cell containers(2) $500 and Windshield template violation $250
  Larry Carter #66-Ford, Fuel cell check valve violation $250 and Adjustable braces $250
  Frankie Stoddard #99-Ford, Oversized fuel cell container $250
  Stan Hoover #80-Ford, Fuel cell check valve violation $500
  Tim Brewer #7-Ford, Adjustable braces $250
  Patrick Donahue #19-Dodge, Adjustable braces $250
  Robin Pemberton #2-Ford, Adjustable braces $250
  Kevin Hamlin #3-Chevy, Oversized fuel cell container $250
  Barry Dodson #27-Pontiac, Oversized fuel cell container $250
  Lee McCall #40-Dodge, Adjustable braces $250
  (NASCAR PR)(2-12-2001)
• Nadeau’s Run Disqualified UPDATE 3 Penalty soon? Furr Suspended?: #25-Jerry Nadeau’s second-place time was disqualified due to an unapproved shock absorber and spring shackle discovered in post-qualifying inspection. So Nadeau’s speed of 182.763 mph has been disallowed and it moves #92 Dodge driver Stacy Compton into the front row. Elliott and Compton are the only drivers locked in their starting positions for the Daytona 500(ESPN)(2-10-2001)
  UPDATE: #92-Stacy Compton inherited the outside spot on Row 1 when Jerry Nadeau’s second-fastest lap at 182.763 mph was disallowed. Nadeau’s car failed to meet the minimum height requirement in post-qualifying inspection. There’s also the matter of further potential penalties and, almost certainly, fines for Nadeau’s #25 Hendrick Motorsports team. NASCAR officials, meanwhile, were working on figuring out the parts they confiscated from the rear suspension of Nadeau’s Chevy. “We have disallowed his time,” said Gary Nelson, Winston Cup Series director. “The height of the roof was more than a half-inch low in inspection. Some of the suspension parts we have in our possession … and we are holding these parts for further study. We will decide what further action to take.” Nelson said Nadeau will “most likely” be allowed to make a second-round qualifying run on Monday to post a speed that could help him make the Daytona 500 field if he doesn’t finish in the top 15 in Thursday’s second 125-mile qualifier.(That’s Racin’)
  AND Because Nadeau ran timed laps in practice, he would not need to requalify, NASCAR garage chief Gary Nelson explained, although Nadeau could try again in Monday’s second round in order to establish a fast time. Nelson would not be more specific, although he indicated further penalties were possible. Nelson, accompanied by Nadeau crew chief Tony Furr, was seen walking to the NASCAR office carrying a spring shackle/wedge bolt assembly. There also was word that the car’s rear shocks had been confiscated, although rear shocks at Daytona and Talladega are sealed units handed out by NASCAR(SpeedVision)(2-11-2001)
  UPDATE 2: NASCAR president Mike Helton said any further penalties as a result of questionable suspension parts found on the Chevrolet of Jerry Nadeau will likely be announced Monday(That’s Racin’)
  UPDATE 3: hearing crew chief of the #25 UAW-Delphi Automotive Chevy, Tony Furr, will be suspended for four races (Rockingham thru Darlington) and fined $10,000(2-12-2001)
• Leffler also DNQ’d? UPDATE yes: hearing from sources at the track that #01-Jason Leffler’s 1st round speed will be thrown out as there is some irregularity found in the cars fuel system possibly an additive in the fuel
  UPDATE: Two days after the fact, NASCAR announced Monday that #01-Jason Leffler has been disqualified for use of questionable fuel in Saturday’s first round of Daytona 500 time trials. Analysis of a routine fuel sample revealed what NASCAR called “discrepancies”, and Leffler’s time was disallowed. Leffler had been 36th-fastest in the opening session. Immediately after qualifying, NASCAR disallowed the time of Jerry Nadeau, who had been second-fastest, for failure to meet minimum height requirements. Parts from the car’s rear suspension were confiscated, and penalties are expected. Penalties had not been announced in either case as of midday, although NASCAR said it intends to announce its actions Monday. Last year, questionable fuel was found in the car of Jeremy Mayfield. The result was a $50,000 fine, subtraction of 151 championship points, and a four-week suspension for crew chief Peter Sospenzo. Leffler, like Nadeau, will be shown with no time and will start his 125-mile qualifying race Thursday at the end of the field. He would have started 18th in the second 125(SpeedVision)(2-12-2001)

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  Who has had the largest Penalties ever levied by NASCAR and is there a list of all time fines?
  (thru May 2000)

  1. Ray Evernham, crew chief, Hendrick Motorsports (Jeff Gordon), unapproved suspension parts, May 1995, Charlotte Motor Speedway, $60,000.

  2. Michael Kranefuss, Penske-Kranefuss (Jeremy Mayfield), altered fuel, April 2000, Talladega Superspeedway, $50,000, Mayfield loses 151 championship points, crew chief Peter Sospenzo suspended for one month.

  3. Scott Eggleston, crew chief SABCO Racing (Sterling Marlin), July 1999, Daytona International Speedway, illegal insert in intake manifold, $50,000.

  4. Tony Furr, crew chief Cale Yarborough Racing (John Andretti), July 1997, Daytona International Raceway, unapproved carburetor studs, $50,000.

  5. Ricky Rudd, Rudd Performance Motorsports (Rudd), Hydraulic lift in rear deck lid, April 1995, Talladega Superspeedway, $45,000, crew chief Bill Ingle $5,000.

  6. Junior Johnson, Junior Johnson & Associates (Brett Bodine), Feb. 1995, Daytona International Speeday, unapproved intake, $45,000, crew chief Mike Beam $100.

  7. Robin Pemberton, crew chief Roush Racing (Mark Martin), Feb. 1990, Richmond International Raceway, carburetor spacer, $40,000 and 46 championship points.

  8. Bill Davis, Bill Davis Racing (Randy Lajoie), Feb. 1995, Daytona International Speedway, hydraulic lift in rear deck lid, $25,000, Lajoie $10,000, crew chief Chris Hussey $100.

  9. Richard Petty, Petty Enterprises (Petty), Oct. 1983, Charlotte Motor Speedway, oversize engine, $35,000 and 104 championship points.

  10. Robin Pemberton, Penske Racing South (Rusty Wallace), May 1996, Sears Point Raceway, car too low, $25,000.

  11. Robin Pemberton, Penske Racing South (Rusty Wallace), July 1995, Pocono International Speedway, unapproved roof flaps, $20,000.

  12. Mike Beam, Junior Johnson & Associates (Brett Bodine), Aug. 1995, Watkins Glen International, unapproved deck lid, $20,000.

  13. Junior Johnson, Junior Johnson & Associates (Tommy Ellis), May 1991, Charlotte Motor Speedway, illegal carburetor, 12-week suspension reduced on appeal to four weeks for Johnson, Ellis and crew chief Tim Brewer.

  from the AP (5-2-2000) – need to add penalties above to the list.