NEXTEL CUP PENALTIES 2007

The Points Penalties for the 2007 season
#24-Jeff Gordon and team owner 100 pts
#48-Jimmie Johnson and team owner 100 pts
#2-Kurt Busch and team owner 100 pts
#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and owner 100 pts
#55-Michael Waltrip and owner 100pts
#9-Kasey Kahne and owner 50 pts
#17-Matt Kenseth and owner 50 pts
#10-Scott Riggs and owner 25 pts
#19-Elliott Sadler and owner 25pts
#5-Kyle Busch and owner 25pts
#70-Johnny Sauter and owner 25pts
#7-Robby Gordon and owner 25pts
#20-Tony Stewart and owner 25pts
#36-Jeremy Mayfield and owner 25pts
#99-Carl Edwards and owner 25pts
#41-Reed Sorenson and owner 25pts

  • Edwards penalty upheld by Commission: NATIONAL STOCK CAR RACING COMMISSION STATEMENT: On October 9, 2007, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Roush Fenway Racing regarding the #99 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-race inspection on September 23, 2007 for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event at Dover International Speedway. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20-12.8.1.C of the NASCAR COT Technical Bulletin #3 dated 4/10/07: “Failed to meet the minimum rear car heights.”
    The penalties assessed were:
    * Loss of 25 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Roush Fenway Racing.
    * Loss of 25 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship Driver Points for driver Carl Edwards.
    * $25,000.00 fine and probation until December 31, 2007 for crew chief Robert Osborne.
    The Appellants argued that the infraction was due to the failure of a clamp on a jack bolt and that the resulting low rear car height was a performance disadvantage. They further argued that penalties imposed during the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup should be assessed differently than during other portions of the season, and differently for Chase contenders than for other competitors.
    In deciding the Appeal, the Commission considered several factors:
    * There was no indication that the infraction was intentional.
    * The car failed to meet post-race height requirements. Whether this constituted an advantage, disadvantage or otherwise does not alter the fact that the car failed to meet the rules.
    * All eligible competitors in each NASCAR Nextel Cup Series championship race are awarded championship points per the NASCAR Rule Book. Accordingly, point penalties should continue to be assessed irrespective of a given competitor’s overall standing in the championship points, or in which championship race an infraction occurs.
    * The penalties imposed are consistent with those for other recent car height violations.
    Therefore it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission (John Capels, Grant Lynch and George Silbermann, Chairman) to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(10-10-2007)
  • #41 Team Penalized For Rule Violations At Talladega: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #41 team that competes in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule violations found last Sunday in post-race inspection at Talladega Superspeedway. The #41 Dodge, driven by Reed Sorenson, was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1C (failed to meet minimum front car heights) of NASCAR Car of Tomorrow Technical Bulletin #3 dated April 10, 2007. Sorenson has been penalized 25 championship driver points, while car owner Chip Ganassi has been penalized 25 championship car owner points. In addition, crew chief Jimmy Elledge has been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)(10-9-2007)
  • Edwards appeal to be heard Tues: Roush Fenway Racing will have its appeal hearing Tuesday in front of a three-person panel of the National Stock Car Racing Commission. #99-Carl Edwards was penalized 25 points after winning two weeks ago at Dover when a postrace inspection showed the rear quarter panel on his No. 99 Ford was too low. Edwards plans to attend the hearing with Roush Fenway Racing president Geoff Smith. “If I go, maybe I can learn something about the process,” Edwards said. “And I still believe we have a good case to get some relief.” NASCAR officials admit the lower height of the car was not an advantage, but a rule is a rule. That isn’t the argument for team officials. Smith and team co-owner Jack Roush have argued that the points penalty should be reduced from 25 points to 10 during the Chase because fewer points are available for the Chase competitors.(ESPN.com)(10-6-2007)
  • Roush Fenway to Appeal #99 Penalty: NASCAR advised Roush Fenway Racing today that it will issue penalties against Carl Edwards (25 driver points), Jack Roush
    (25 owner points) and crew chief Bob Osborne ($25,000) for violating a rear fender height rule following Sunday’s race at Dover International Speedway. Roush Fenway Racing president, Geoff Smith gave a statement following NASCAR’s announcement: “We have the misfortune of violating a rule which makes no sense. It was promulgated to address restrictor plate races, not downforce races. I say misfortune because we are being penalized for a violation that actually impaired the car’s performance. We intend to appeal the unfair assessment of the point’s penalty. What is unfair is that Carl is receiving a penalty that is 250% greater in its effect than a similarly assessed penalty against a non-‘Chase’ driver. ‘Chase’ drivers are competing for a total of 1,950 points. All drivers competed for 5,070 points in the first 26 races. Do the math. The net effect is that a 25 point penalty falls unfairly hard on a ‘Chase’ contender. That’s simply not right. To equalize the penalty impact on all competitors not more than 10 points should have been taken from a ‘Chase’ contender.”(Roush Fenway Racing PR)(9-25-2007)
  • Edwards winning car at Dover fails post race inspection UPDATE Penalty Announced: been told that #99-Carl Edwards Ford, which won the Dodge Dealers 400 at Dover International Speedway, was too low on one side of the rear of the car. Supposedly NASCAR will take the car back to its R&D Center in Concord, NC to check it out further, but that they do not consider it as the team altering the COT [Car of Tomorrow] and probably would not be any fines or penalties unless they find something different. Edwards Statement: “The worse case would be 25 points, the right rear being low – any engineer or crew chief in the garage will tell you that’s the last thing you want,” Edwards said. “You want the right rear to be high. The only thing I can think of is at the end of the race, Greg came up and gave me a couple of love taps to say ‘good job, good race’ and hopefully they find that that bent the tail of the car down a little bit. There are some braces bent under the decklid so hopefully that’s what it is.”(PRN’s Garage Pass)
    AND #99-Carl Edwards’ race-winning Roush Fenway Racing Ford failed postrace inspection Sunday at Dover International Speedway. The right rear of his car fell below the 1/2-inch tolerance for height, NASCAR said. The victory most likely will stand, but Edwards’ team is expected to be penalized later this week. Team owner Jack Roush said that there were no changes made to the right side of the car and that he believes NASCAR will find the car is bent. He added it was his understanding that the right-rear was 3/8ths of an inch low, which doesn’t make sense to him. Although this is a car of tomorrow entry, the likely penalty does not fall under the tampering-with-COT rules since the structure of the body has not been manipulated. The question NASCAR now will have to answer is what did happen. The sanctioning body is taking the car to its research and development center in Concord, N.C. for further review.(SceneDaily.com)(9-23-2007)
    UPDATE 2 Carl Edwards Docked 25 Points, Crew Chief Fined $25,000: Carl Edwards, winner of this past Sunday’s Nextel Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway, has been penalized 25 driver championship points due to rule violations found in post-race inspection. The loss of points dropped Edwards from third in the Chase for the Nextel Cup standings to sixth, 28 points behind leader Jeff Gordon. The #99 Ford driven by Edwards was found to be too low in the right rear area, which violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1C (failed to meet minimum rear car heights) of NASCAR Car of Tomorrow Technical Bulletin #3 dated April 10, 2007. In addition, those infractions have resulted in a $25,000 fine for Edwards’ crew chief Bob Osborne, plus a penalty of 25 car owner championship points for Roush Fenway Racing. Osborne also has been placed on probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)(9-25-2007)
  • Mayfield’s team expects ‘big penalties’ from infraction UPDATE: Joe Lax, crew chief for Jeremy Mayfield’s #36 Toyota, is expecting a significant penalty after his team got caught putting illegal weight in the car. In pre-qualifying inspection Friday at California Speedway, Mayfield’s Bill Davis Racing car was found to have too much camber in the rear end. The team fixed the problem, which requires taking a blowtorch to the rear of the car, and went back through the inspection line, but the car was found to be too light on the right side. Then, in a moment of desperation, a team member stuck a piece of lead inside the water bottle to add the extra weight. But NASCAR discovered the illegal trick, which is considered tampering with the car.(SceneDaily.com)(9-1-2007)
    UPDATE: Joe Lax, crew chief for the #36 Toyota driven by Jeremy Mayfield in the Nextel Cup Series, has been fined $25,000, suspended from NASCAR competition until Sept. 19 [2 races] and placed on probation until Dec. 31 due to rule violations last week at California Speedway. Prior to qualifying, Lax was found to have violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules); 20-2.3 (added car weight); and 12-4W (improperly attached weight; weight installed inside water container). Those infractions also have resulted in a loss of 25 championship driver points for Mayfield and a loss of 25 championship car owner points for Gail Davis.(NASCAR PR)(9-6-2007)
  • #40 Crew Chief fined: Steve Lane, crew chief for the #40 Dodge driven by David Stremme, has been fined $2,500 because the team’s scorer, Joel Charpentier, left the scoring area prior to the completion of this past Sunday’s event at California Speedway. Lane was in violation of Sections 12-4A and 9-4A (crew chief assumes responsibility for actions of team members).(NASCAR PR)(9-6-2007)
  • Robby Gordon Fined, Placed on Probation: NASCAR announced today that Robby Gordon, driver and owner of the #55 Ford in the Busch Series, has been fined $35,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2007 due to a rule violation during last Saturday’s race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Gordon was found to be in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. The fine and probation also carried the stipulation that if, during the remaining NASCAR events in 2007, there is another action by Gordon that is deemed by NASCAR officials as detrimental to stock car racing or to NASCAR, or is disruptive to the orderly conduct of an event, he will be suspended indefinitely from NASCAR.(NASCAR PR)(8-7-2007)
  • Stewart’s ‘BS’ slip UPDATE 2 fined: yes #20-Tony Stewart said ‘BS’ in his post race interview on ESPN [Cable..not network], NO word when/if Stewart will be fined and/or penalized by NASCAR, in 2004, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was penalized for dropping the ‘S’ bomb on network [NBC] TV after winning and was fined $10k and 25 drivers/owners points. If penalized, it would be announced on Tuesday.(7-29-2007)
    UPDATE: Tony Stewart, excited over winning at the track he cherishes more than any other, got a little carried away in his postrace interview. The expletive he uttered could cost him a penalty later this week. Stewart was celebrating his second win the Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday when he uttered the obscenity on ESPN. While NASCAR officials would later say they thought there was a network delay protecting the driver, ESPN officials said delays are only used on replays of radio conversations, not live victory lane interviews. “It was an unfortunate incident that we did not anticipate,” said ESPN officials in a statement. NASCAR officials said they will address the issue at the beginning of the week. Vice President Jim Hunter said there could be a penalty or a loss of points. He also said that NASCAR would talk to ESPN officials.(SceneDaily.com)(7-30-2007)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR announced that Tony Stewart has been fined $25,000 and penalized 25 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver championship points, as a result of using inappropriate language during a post-race televised interview following his victory Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Stewart, driver of the #20 Home Dept Chevrolet, retains his fifth-place standing in the series points, with his total points reduced to 2,599. Stewart violated Section 12-4-A of the series rule book (actions detrimental to stock car racing) by using the inappropriate language. In addition, Stewart’s car owner, Joe Gibbs, has been penalized 25 car owner championship points because of the infraction.(NASCAR PR)(7-31-2007)
  • Robby Gordon’s Team Penalized: UPDATE: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #7 team in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found last week at Daytona. The #7 Ford, driven by Robby Gordon, was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-6.7C (8) (unapproved camera shell) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during opening day inspection on July 5. Gordon has been penalized 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points. Crew chief Gene Nead has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)(7-13-2007)
    UPDATE: Gordon said Friday afternoon that he will not appeal. “Not different than every race team in this garage does,” Gordon said. “You push it a little far, and sometimes you get caught.(SceneDaily.com)(7-14-2007)
  • Suspended Crew Chiefs banned from the track: NASCAR has changed its policy and will not allow crew chiefs to attend races while they are suspended, NASCAR Vice President Jim Hunter said Thursday at Daytona International Speedway. Previously, the policy was to simply suspend a NASCAR license, meaning crew chiefs and others under suspension could not enter a track’s garage area or pit road.(SceneDaily.com)(7-6-2007)
  • Sauter and Kyle Busch Fail Post Race Inspection UPDATE 2 penalties announced: The Chevys of #70-Johnny Sauter and #5-Kyle Busch both did not meet the minimum height requirements during post-race inspection. #83-Brian Vickers failed post-qualifying inspection on Friday and had his time disallowed. NASCAR will take both of the cars back to the R&D Center in Concord, NC to test them further to see if the problem is the result of something that happened on the track or not. If any penalties are assessed, they are likely to be announced on Tuesday.(7-1-2007)
    UPDATE: there was NO announcement on Tuesday, July 3rd, regarding any penalties for the #70 and/or #5 teams, no word if there will be an announcement or if the team will be penalized.(7-4-2007)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #5 and #70 teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H. Both cars – the #5 Chevy driven by Kyle Busch and the #70 Chevy driven by Johnny Sauter – were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B, COT Technical Bulletin #3, dated 4/10/07 (failed to meet the minimum front car heights) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during post-race inspection last Sunday. As a result, Kyle Busch and Sauter have each been penalized 25 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs – Alan Gustafson and Robert “Bootie” Barker – have each been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Sept. 19.
    In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #5, has been penalized 25 car owner championship points as has Joe Custer, the owner of the #70.(NASCAR PR)(7-4-2007)
  • Hendrick Motorsports will not appeal penalties to #24/#48, interim crew chiefs named: Car owner Rick Hendrick confirmed today that the sanctions levied by NASCAR on Tuesday against the #24 and #48 Nextel Cup Series teams will not be appealed by Hendrick Motorsports. “The penalties are excessive,” Hendrick reiterated. “But we’re not going to put time and resources into issuing an appeal. Instead, we will direct that energy into our internal processes to make sure we have full confidence that our cars will meet standards when presented for inspection each week. We’ve said from the beginning that this would be a learning process (with the Car of Tomorrow) and there would be a lot of give and take between NASCAR and the teams to figure it out. That doesn’t seem to be the case now, and I don’t think it’s the right direction to go.”
    #24 car chief Jeff Meendering and #48 car chief Ron Malec have been named interim crew chiefs for their respective teams beginning with Sunday’s Nextel Cup event at New Hampshire International Speedway. “In Jeff and Ron, we have two guys who know their teams inside and out,” Hendrick said. “They both have been here a long time, they both know the pressures involved and they both have the full support of our entire organization. We don’t expect to miss a beat.” Crew chiefs Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus will resume at-track duties for their respective teams at the Aug. 19 Nextel Cup Series event at Michigan International Speedway.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(6-28-2007)
  • Crew Chief Letarte statement on Penalties and Interim Crew Chief: “It’s been a great season so far and we have a really strong, championship-caliber team in place. The penalties are unfortunate and severe, but we’ll put the situation behind us and focus on winning a fifth championship for the #24 team. Jeff [Meendering] is my go-to guy. We have similar backgrounds and we’ve both been here (with Hendrick Motorsports) a long time. This is a tough pill to swallow for me, but he’ll do a great job leading the team and keeping things moving in a positive direction. We’ll rally and Jeff will get more support from the organization than you can imagine.”(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(6-28-2007)
  • Crew Chief Knaus statement on Penalties and Interim Crew Chief: “It’s definitely disappointing, but we have a very capable and committed team. For whatever reason, we seem to thrive on adversity. We’ve overcome challenges in the past and I know we’ll get through this as well. I didn’t feel like we were outside the box in Sonoma, but that’s NASCAR’s call and they made it. Ron [Malec] is the only car chief I’ve ever had on the #48 team. He knows the guys better than anyone and they all have a ton of respect for him and what he’s accomplished. Ron has been our backbone from the beginning and he’ll do a terrific job. It’s not the way I wanted to see him get an opportunity, but he’s ready and more than capable of getting it done. I’m grateful to have talented guys like Ron and Lance (McGrew) available. It just goes to show how deep this organization is.”(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(6-28-2007)
  • #24, #48 Teams Penalized For Infractions At Infineon Raceway: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #24 and #48 Hendrick Motorsports teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Both cars – the #24 driven by Jeff Gordon and the #48 driven by Jimmie Johnson – were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); 20-2.1E (parts or components of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that have been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance will not be permitted); and 20-2H (fenders may not be cut or altered except for wheel or tire clearance which must be approved by the Series Director) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during the initial inspection process last Friday. As a result, Gordon and Johnson have each been penalized 100 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs – Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus – have each been fined $100,000, suspended for the next six Nextel Cup Series events until Aug. 15, 2007 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2007. In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #24, has been penalized 100 car owner championship points as has Gordon, who is the owner of the #48.(NASCAR PR)(6-26-2007)
  • Hendrick Motorsports Responds to Penalties: Car owner Rick Hendrick responded to NASCAR sanctions announced today involving the #24 and #48 Nextel Cup Series teams of Hendrick Motorsports. “We are disappointed in NASCAR’s decision and feel the penalties are excessive,” Hendrick said. “Right now, all of our options are being evaluated, including our personnel situation and a possible appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commission. We’ll take some time to decide on a direction and make an announcement regarding our plans for New Hampshire later in the week.”(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(6-26-2007)
  • #24 and #48 pulled from practice, qualifying after failing inspection MORE: NASCAR officials announced that #24-Jeff Gordon [points leader] and #48- Jimmie Johnson [3rd in points] will not be allowed to practice or qualify Friday after their cars failed the initial morning inspection at Infineon Raceway. The front fenders on both the #24 Chevy of Gordon and the #48 Chevy of Johnson had front fenders that were too wide. The cars did not fit the template for a Car of Tomorrow entry. Both drivers will have to start at the rear of the field for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 300 event on the 2-mile Infineon road course. Gordon, the season points leader, won at Infineon one year ago. His five victories at Sonoma are the most among active drivers. “Both teams have the opportunity to repair their primary cars and resubmit them for inspection,” NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. “If they pass that inspection, they’ll be allowed to practice on Saturday.” Neither crew chief — Steve Letarte for Gordon and Chad Knaus for Johnson — has been suspended for this race. But additional penalties are likely for both drivers and crew chiefs next week. NASCAR officials have warned all teams that any violations involving the COT would results in severe punishment. The #8 Chevy team of driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was penalized 100 points and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. was fined $100,000 when a pre-qualifying inspection at Darlington showed the brackets on the rear wing were modified out of regulation.(ESPN.com)(6-22-2007)
    UPDATE: “I don’t necessarily say they bent the rules,” [Team Owner Rick] Hendrick said after a lengthy team meeting inside of Jeff Gordon’s hauler. “They thought they were working inside of an area they thought they could. The fenders on the car are sitting out there in front of God and everybody. If you’re going to try to do something to gain an advantage you wouldn’t do it and roll it through inspection.”
    NASCAR officials said the front right fenders on both cars were flared out beyond the wheel well to create an advantage. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president of competition, called it a blatant attempt to circumvent the rules. Based on what happened to crew chief Tony Eury Jr. and driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. when NASCAR discovered alterations to the rear-wing bracket at Darlington, the ensuing penalty will be substantial. Eury was suspended for six races and fined $100,000, and Earnhardt was docked 100 championship points. Hendrick, anticipating that or worse, already is pleading his case to NASCAR. “We’ll have to see what the penalty is, but I don’t think the penalty fits the crime in this case when you’re talking about the top of a fender or the side of a fender,” he said. “I don’t see it as a situation where you had a certified part and it’s been altered or anything like that.” Hendrick said Gordon and Johnson already have been punished enough — they’re being forced to start at the rear of the field. The only driver to win at Infineon from the back was Ernie Irvan, who started at the rear after jumping the start in 1992. We want to play by the rules. I don’t enjoy this. The guys don’t enjoy this. I’m sure NASCAR doesn’t enjoy this. This is a big penalty not being able to qualify and get a good starting spot and good pit spot,” he said. “We’re just hoping for a good finish. If these two cars finish in the top 10 tomorrow I’ll be happy.”(ESPN.com)(6-24-2007)
  • Kurt Busch penalized, not suspended: NASCAR announced today that Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series, has been penalized 100 championship driver points, fined $100,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2007 for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing – reckless driving; endangering a crew member on pit road) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. Car owner Roger Penske has also been penalized with the loss of 100 championship owner points due to his driver’s infraction. The violation occurred on pit road during the race at Dover International Speedway on June 4.(NASCAR PR), not happy with the outcome? don’t tell me, email or contact NASCAR, see my Racing FAQ page for ways to contact.
    Penske Statement: Penske Racing acknowledges the fine, penalty and probation that has been imposed by NASCAR relative to the pit incident involving Kurt Busch at this week’s Dover race and will not appeal. Safety is paramount in motorsports and must not be compromised. “I regret the incident that occurred at Dover and apologize to NASCAR, my sponsors, the fans, my Penske Racing team and Joe Gibbs Racing. I understand that safety is crucial to the sport and I accept the points penalty, fine and probation that NASCAR has imposed on me,” said Kurt Busch. Penske Racing will continue to support Kurt and look forward to racing at Pocono.(Penske Racing PR)(6-8-2007)
  • Penalty Issued for Unauthorized Duplication of a NASCAR Annual Credential: NASCAR announced today that Douglas Mercier [#00 Hauler Driver] has been fined $5,000 and suspended indefinitely from the sport for his unauthorized duplication of a NASCAR annual credential. The rule infraction occurred May 18 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Mercier violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; unauthorized duplication of a NASCAR annual credential) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book.(NASCAR PR)(5-24-2007)
  • DEI Drops Appeal of Penalties: UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Inc. dropped its appeal of penalties levied against #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his crew chief for illegal modifications made to the Car of Tomorrow. The appeal was scheduled to be heard Wednesday, but the team informed NASCAR on Tuesday it will not fight the penalties. Earnhardt was docked 100 points and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. was fined $100,000 and suspended six races after NASCAR discovered illegal brackets on the rear wing of the #8 Chevy at Darlington.(Associated Press), see more information about the penalty on my #8 Team Page.(5-22-2007)
    UPDATE: DEI issued the following statement: “The rules are black and white,” said Richie Gilmore, DEI’s Vice President of Motorsports. “We were clearly in violation of those rules and accept the penalties handed down by NASCAR. Going forward, we’ve reviewed our internal processes and procedures to insure something like this doesn’t happen again.”(DEI PR)(5-22-2007)
  • Illegal wing brackets on #8 car could mean penalty UPDATES: During pre-race inspection Saturday at Darlington Raceway, the #8 Budweiser Chevy of Dale Earnhardt Jr. was found to have illegal brackets used to mount the rear wing on the Nextel Cup Series’ new Car of Tomorrow, an infraction series director John Darby said could result in the first COT penalty. Officials forced the team to remove the brackets, then reattach the wing with a proper set. “We have specific blueprints for all the parts on the car,” Darby said. “[Series officials] are a little sensitive to those parameters.” Asked if doctoring the rear wing on the COT is a substantial no-no, Darby responded, “Yes.” The infraction will not affect Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s starting position for the rain-delayed Dodge Avenger 500, Darby said. Darby said he plans to speak with #8 crew chief Tony Eury Jr. further next week.(ESPN.com)(5-13-2007)
    UPDATE: Tony Eury Jr. fully expects a penalty from NASCAR this week and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is prepared to help his crew chief pay it. NASCAR confiscated the rear wing mounts from Earnhardt Jr.’s car on Saturday before the Nextel Cup race at Darlington Raceway was postponed until Sunday due to rain. Eury called it an “interpretation.” “It was a bad deal,” he said. “It was a part that got put on there that shouldn’t have. We’ve done a lot of offseason testing for NASCAR. There’s been three different styles of brackets on there and it just happened to be one of those old-style brackets.” Eury said the brackets were the same ones that weren’t discovered during pre- or post-qualifying inspections. “It fit all of their templates,” he said. “It just had a problem when you put [the angle] to where you should have.” Eury said he tried to explain how to fix the problem to series director John Darby. “I was definitely not trying to get away with nothing, so you can take it for what it is,” he said. “There’s nothing I can do about it. Whatever they hand down, it certainly wasn’t on purpose.”(ESPN.com)(5-14-2007)
    UPDATE 2: Hearing from sources that the Tony Eury Jr. will be fined $100,000 and be suspended for 6 weeks. In addition, the team will lose 100 owner and driver points. Eury is expected to appeal only the severity of the monetary fine. Tony Gibson will take Eury Jr’s place as crew chief during the suspesion.(5-15-2007)
    UDPATE 3: NASCAR announced today that the #8 Chevy team has been penalized and fined for rule violations committed last week at Darlington. The #8 team was found to have violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules), and 20-3.1.3B (the NASCAR-approved upper and lower rear wing mounting brackets must not be modified to obtain a rear-wing angle of less than zero degrees or more than 16 degrees) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. Crew chief Tony Eury Jr., has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until July 4, 2007 which includes this weekend’s NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and the next six NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events. He has also been placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2007. Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has been penalized with the loss of 100 Championship Driver points. Car owner Teresa Earnhardt has been penalized with the loss of 100 Championship Owner points. The violations were found during pre-race inspection on May 12.(NASCAR PR) AND: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. issued the following statement:“The car in question was a brand new car for the #8 team and the brackets that were found to be nonconforming were built as test pieces before the final design was established by NASCAR. They should not have been on the car and with Tony Eury Jr. away from the track Thursday during inspection, the error was not caught. We do not question the infraction which is clearly spelled out in the NASCAR rule book. However, we have appealed the severity of the penalty.”(DEI PR)(5-15-2007)
  • Harvick, McMurray fined for on track altercation after Talladega race: NASCAR announced today that Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Chevrolet and Jamie McMurray, driver of the #26 Ford, have been fined $25,000 each and placed on probation until Oct. 3, 2007 for being involved in an altercation with each other’s cars during this past Sunday’s Nextel Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. The altercation occurred during the final caution period that came on the white-flag lap. Both drivers were found to be in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing – involved in an altercation with another competitor’s car during a caution period) of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(5-2-2007)
  • NASCAR investigates Stewart, Montoya incidents UPDATE: #20-Tony Stewart is not expected to be fined for skipping the post-race press conference last weekend at Phoenix, but #42-Juan Pablo Montoya may be for an obscene gesture made on camera prior to a Busch Series practice. NASCAR officials are reviewing whether to penalize the former Formula One star who made the gesture at a cameraman following him from Nextel Cup qualifying to the Busch garage for practice. According to officials at Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Montoya thought the cameraman was a person who has been shadowing him as part of a documentary for more than a month and that the gesture was all in fun. There is nothing in the NASCAR by-laws differentiating between using an obscene gesture or word in fun or anger. NASCAR officials plan to speak with Stewart and remind him of his post-race responsibilities. Stewart left the Phoenix track without fulfilling his media obligations because he was upset with a second-place finish.(ESPN.com)(4-25-2007)
    UPDATE: NASCAR announced today that Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #42 Dodge in the Busch Series, has been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 because of an inappropriate gesture made during a practice session this past Thursday at Phoenix International Raceway. Montoya was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(4-25-2007)
  • Evernham cancels appeals? UPDATE no, but penalties upheld: hearing that after the penalties for the #9 Dodge of Kasey Kahne were upheld on Monday, Evernham Motorsports withdrew their appeal of the Daytona penalties of the #10 Dodge of Scott Riggs and #19 Dodge of Elliott Sadler.(3-7-2007)
    UPDATE: Evernham Motorsports lost its second appeal in as many days Tuesday as the National Stock Car Racing Commission turned down the #19 team’s appeal of the 25-point penalty NASCAR handed down for infractions during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.(SceneDaily.com), no word on the #10 team and Riggs but supposedly they chose not to appeal, but have heard nothing for sure.(3-7-2007)
  • #9 Team Penalties Upheld by Commission: On March 5, 2007, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Evernham Motorsports regarding the #9 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on February 11, 2007 for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event at Daytona International Speedway. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20-2.1E “Unapproved aerodynamic modification.”
    The penalties assessed were:
  • Loss of 50 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Ray Evernham.
  • Loss of 50 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship Driver Points for driver Kasey Kahne.
  • $50,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR for the next four (4) NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until March 21, 2007 (not including testing) for crew chief Ken Francis.
    The Appellants did not contest the legality of the violations, nor appeal the fine or suspensions, but appealed the severity of the point penalties. The Appellants presented an argument that lesser penalties had been previously issued to other teams for more egregious violations, and that the magnitude of this penalty ranked amongst the largest for comparable violations.
    In deciding the Appeal, the Commission considered several factors:
  • Evernham Motorsports does not have a history of multiple rules violations.
  • These infractions were premeditated and intentional. They constituted serious violations
    In the judgment of the Commission, the penalties assessed are severe by the standards of a year or more ago. However, Commission members were advised that NASCAR executives had announced to contestants at a driver briefing in mid-2006 that the previous “benchmark” penalty standards for many serious violations would likely be increased going forward. Subsequent to that, two 50-point penalties were assessed during the 2006 season. Therefore, by a majority vote, it is the decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(3-5-2007)
  • #17 Team Penalties Upheld by Commission: On March 5, 2007, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Roush Fenway Racing regarding the No. 17 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on February 11, 2007 for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series event at Daytona International Speedway. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20-2.1E “Unapproved aerodynamic modification.”
    The penalties assessed were:
  • Loss of 50 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Jack Roush.
  • Loss of 50 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship Driver Points for driver Matt Kenseth.
  • $50,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR for the next four (4) NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until March 21, 2007 (not including testing) for crew chief Robbie Reiser.
    The Appellants did not contest the legality of the violations, nor appeal the suspensions, but appealed the severity of the fine and the points penalties. The Appellants presented an argument that a “ratcheting up” of penalties was not warranted in light of the recent record of penalties, and that lesser penalties had been previously issued to other teams for more egregious violations.
    In deciding the Appeal, the Commission considered several factors:
  • Roush Fenway Racing does not have a history of multiple rules violations.
  • These infractions were premeditated and intentional. They constituted serious violations.
    In the judgment of the Commission, the penalties assessed are severe by the standards of a year or more ago. However, Commission members were advised that NASCAR executives had announced to contestants at a driver briefing in mid-2006 that the previous “benchmark” penalty standards for many serious violations would likely be increased going forward. Subsequent to that, two 50-point penalties were assessed during the 2006 season. Therefore, by a majority vote, it is the decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(3-5-2007)
  • Appeals to be heard next week: Penalty appeals for four Nextel Cup teams accused of breaking NASCAR’s equipment rules leading up to the Daytona 500 will be heard early next week, NASCAR officials told ESPN.com on Tuesday. The appeals for Kasey Kahne’s #9 team and Matt Kenseth’s #17 team will be heard on March 5 in North Carolina. Appeals for Scott Riggs’ #10 team and Elliott Sadler’s #19 team will be heard the following day, also in North Carolina, NASCAR said.(ESPN.com)(2-27-2007)
  • More Daytona Penalties dolled out: NASCAR announced today that three Nextel Cup Series crew chiefs have been fined for rule violations committed during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.
    Lee McCall, crew chief for the #49 Dodge driven by Mike Bliss, has been fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment do not conform to NASCAR Rules), and 20-12.1 (unapproved lower rear spring mounts/offset) of the 2007 series rule book. The violation was discovered during opening day inspection for the Daytona 500.
    Randy Seals, crew chief for the #34 Dodge driven by Kevin Lepage, has been fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20-12.1 (unapproved lower rear spring mounts/slotted). The violation was likewise discovered during opening day inspection for the Daytona 500.
    Scott Miller, crew chief for the #31 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton, has also been fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20-12.1 (unapproved rear spring lower truck trailing arm mount/slotted). This violation was discovered during opening day inspection for the Budweiser Shootout.(NASCAR PR)(2-26-2007)
  • Evernham Appeals Penalties to all 3 teams: Appeals for the penalties passed out to the Nextel Cup teams of #9-Kasey Kahne, #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Scott Riggs before the Daytona 500 were filed on Wednesday by owner Ray Evernham. Roush Fenway Racing filed an appeal on the penalties against Matt Kenseth’s #17 team on Saturday. Evernham said before Sunday’s race he was most concerned about the severity of the penalties, particularly the points deductions, and the damage allegations of cheating have done to the reputation of his organization. “That’s been tarnished and it bothers me more than anything,” Evernham said. Kenny Francis, Kahne’s team director [crew chief], was suspended for four weeks and fined $50,000 after NASCAR inspectors discovered that two layers of duct tape covering an air hole near the rear wheel well came off during qualifying. Officials said the first layer had a razor slice in it that they believe was designed to force both layers of tape off. Kahne was docked 50 championship points and Evernham 50 owners’ points for what NASCAR deemed a blatant attempt to create an aerodynamic advantage. Rodney Childers and Josh Browne, the team directors for Riggs and Sadler, were suspended for two races and fined $25,000 each when officials discovered the bolts that attach the rear spoiler to the trunk had holes drilled in them to help create an aerodynamic advantage. Their drivers were docked 25 championship points each. Evernham said the bolts were hollowed out to make them lighter and were used in all four restrictor plate races last season without penalty. NASCAR officials said a date for the appeal, to be heard by the National Stock Car Racing Commission, has not been set.(ESPN.com)(2-21-2007)
  • Roush to appeal #17 penalty: Roush Fenway Racing president Geoff Smith has filed an appeal of the points penalty given to driver #17-Matt Kenseth after his car failed post-qualifying inspection. Kenseth was docked 50 championship points, which Smith claims is too harsh based on precedence set last year with Jimmie Johnson. Johnson’s team was fined and crew chief Chad Knaus suspended for four races when his car failed post-qualifying inspection a year ago. Kenseth lost crew chief Robbie Reiser for four races and the points. “We’re not appealing the suspension,” Smith said. “But NASCAR said last year when they suspended Johnson’s crew chief that they want to be consistent with their penalties. There’s no precedence for 50 points.”(ESPN.com)(2-19-2007)
  • Post Inspection Problem with #24? UPDATE #24 fails inspection: SPEED’s Victory Lane show is reporting NASCAR is looking hard at the #24-Jeff Gordon car that won the 2nd Gatorade Duel 150 race, supposedly something with the templates.
    MORE: SPEED updated their report, it seems the #24 may be too low, could be something with a shock mount, NASCAR’s John Darby has been under the rear of the car a few times, still no announcement about it.
    UPDATE: News came late in the day that Jeff Gordon’s #24 Chevy failed a post-race inspection. The quarter panels were too low. Instead of starting the Daytona 500 on the second row, Gordon will start 42nd. That’s his punishment. His victory will stand. NASCAR officials said the problem probably was unintentional. It was the fourth qualifying race win of Gordon’s career and his second in a row.(ESPN.com)
    AND: #24-Jeff Gordon will start 42nd in Sunday’s Daytona 500 after failing post-race inspection following the second of Thursday’s two 150-mile qualifying races. Because the infraction — the rear panel was almost an inch low — was not considered intentional to create a competitive advantage Gordon will be allowed to keep his victory in the race. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s vice president for competition, said no further penalties would be levied against Gordon’s team. It was the third straight day NASCAR’s governing body passed out penalties at Daytona International Speedway. Gordon was unaware of the issue until informed during his post-race interview. “That would really suck,” he said. Pemberton said the shock fastener and spacers used to hold the rear shocks that are installed during pre-race preparation for restrictor plate races were misaligned. He said it likely was a mistake made by the mechanic. “We felt it was unintentional,” Pemberton said. “Actually, it was unsafe. We felt it was a part failure and unintentionally done.”(ESPN.com)(2-15-2006)
  • Waltrip announcement soon? UPDATE: hearing that NASCAR will make an announcement soon fining the team $100,000, docking Waltrip 100 owner and driver points and suspending the crew chief, David Hyder, indefinitely. Waltrip will be able to run in the Gatorade Duel 150’s but will start from the rear of the field.
    UPDATE: the penalties to the #55 team:
    Bobby Kennedy [MWR VP of Competition] and David Hyder [crew chief] ejected from track [Daytona] and suspended indefinitely
    David Hyer fined $100,000
    Michael Waltrip docked 100 driver points
    Owner Buffy Waltrip docked 100 owenrs points
    Michael Waltrip’s qualifying time disallowed from Sunday’s Daytona 500 qualfiying.
    The substance was NOT jet fuel. Waltrip will be allowed to run the Gatorade Duel’s in a back up car.(SPEED coverage of the NASCAR press conference). Scott Eggleston will be the interim crew chief for Waltrip. Eggleston won the Daytona 500 with Waltrip in 2001.(2-14-2007)
    NASCAR Release: NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has confiscated the primary car of the #55 Toyota team that competes in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series with driver Michael Waltrip, as a result of rule violations found during pre- and post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500. Crew chief Larry (David) Hyder and the team’s vice president of competition Bobby Kennedy have been ejected from this week’s events at Daytona International Speedway and suspended indefinitely. Hyder also has been fined $100,000.
    NASCAR also penalized Waltrip with the loss of 100 driver championship points. His qualifying time from pole day on Feb. 11 was disallowed. Team owner Elizabeth (Buffy) Waltrip has been penalized 100 car owner championship points.
    The actions taken by NASCAR resulted from violations of 12- 4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules) and 20-15.2C (gasoline must not be blended with alcohols, ethers or other oxygenates).
    The confiscated car and the parts related to the violations will be transported to the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. for further inspection. NASCAR said the investigation of the confiscated car is ongoing.(NASCAR PR)(2-14-2007)
  • Waltrip’s crew chief suspended: David Hyder, the crew chief for Michael Waltrip, has been suspended indefinitely for infractions discovered on the #55 Toyota during Sunday’s post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500. Further penalties against Waltrip’s team will be announced at a press conference later on Wednesday. They are expected to be more severe than the two- and four-race suspensions of crew chiefs from four other teams that were announced on Tuesday. NASCAR chairman Brian France and president Mike Helton were among those that met with Waltrip and officials from Michael Waltrip Racing before Wednesday’s first practice session. One official described the situation as “very serious.” Lee White, the senior vice president for Toyota Racing Development that is making its Nextel Cup debut at Daytona, said he also planned to meet with Waltrip. “I wouldn’t call it a setback, but it’s disappointing for anyone that we partner with to have this happen in some form or fashion,” he said. “We will talk with them to see where we need to go for the future.” White said TRD has been working with NASCAR on the situation. “I can honestly tell you from an ethics standpoint and integrity, along with character and honesty, those things are paramount in our company,” he said. “We hold ourselves to a high standard and we hold our teams to high standards. We hope we’ve picked the right ones.”(ESPN.com)
    ALSO: Bobby Kennedy, MWR’s Director of Competition, was escorted out of the track at Daytona by NASCAR’s Robin Pemberton.(2-14-2007)
    UPDATE: SPEED is reporting an announcement is coming this afternoon, could be as soon as the last Cup practice of the day is run [around 3:00pm/et], hearing another report that the ‘substance’ could be jet fuel/aviation type fuel.(2-14-2007)
  • #55 manifold confiscated; car impounded UPDATE 6 #00 reskin? have to use #32?: during pre-qualifying inspection, the intake manifold of the #55 NAPA Toyota of Michael Waltrip was confiscated by NASCAR, it didn’t meet specifications and the team had to install another one.(SPEED’s NASCAR Live), been told there was a substance on the inside of the manifold and it was taken away in a black bag, will be taken to NASCAR R&D center in Concord, NC to be examined, Waltrip’s team was allowed to change engines, go thru tech inspection and make a qualifying attempt, Waltrip qualified 25th.(2-11-2007)
    UPDATE: the #55 Toyota was impounded by NASCAR and Hunter said the car would be inspected ‘with a fine tooth comb’.(PRN’s Garage Pass Radio Show)(2-11-2007)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR impounded the #55 NAPA Toyota of driver/owner Michael Waltrip after qualifying. NASCAR officials confiscated the intake manifold off Waltrip’s Camry during a prequalifying inspection. NASCAR officials don’t know if Waltrip’s car is illegal. Waltrip’s fate is up in the air. Hunter said NASCAR officials decided to impound the car before qualifying, but allowed Waltrip to make a qualifying run after placing a new manifold on the car. Now NASCAR officials will inspect the entire car to determine if any violations exist. “Our inspectors will go over that car a with a fine-tooth comb,” Hunter said. “I don’t know how long we will keep it. As of right now, we do not know that the manifold is illegal, but we want to know.” Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s director of competition, said officials sent the manifold to the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., for testing Monday. “Our inspector caught a substance inside that we didn’t really know what it was,” Pemberton said about the manifold. Pemberton wouldn’t give specifics about the problem, but Waltrip said inspectors found oil inside the manifold. “And it’s not supposed to be there,” Waltrip said. “So they took it to see why the oil was there. I don’t really understand what is going on, and people here a lot smarter than me don’t understand it either, but we’ll figure it out. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Hunter wasn’t buying Waltrip’s explanation. “Our inspection team was not comfortable that it was oil,” Hunter said. Pemberton said the situation with the #55 problem was not specific to any individual manufacturer. (ESPN.com)(2-12-2007)
    UPDATE 3: Waltrip’s Toyota was impounded, with Hunter raising the possibility Waltrip will not be allowed to run that particular car in the 150s or the 500. “We’ll go over that car with a fine-tooth comb … and I don’t know how long we’ll keep it,” Hunter said. Sterno? That’s the horsepower trick that rivals suspect tripped up Waltrip when he was busted by NASCAR in the pre-qualifying inspection line for having some unknown “substance” in his intake manifold. NASCAR’s Robin Pemberton, the vice president for competition, said that the manifold was being sent back the Concord R&D center for analysis. Presumably the substance could have been some type of oxidant, to provide a bit of horsepower for a short period of time. For years, stock-car teams have at times used such illegal chemical additives at Daytona and Talladega, where NASCAR severely restricts air to the engine, to limit speeds. Ty Norris, the general manager of Waltrip’s team, insisted that it was not Sterno: “No, no, no, #They found some oil in the manifold and said it shouldn’t be there,” Norris said. “They thought something was amiss. So we changed manifolds, and had the same issue. We showed NASCAR we thought it was blow-by engine oil.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-12-2007)
    UPDATE 4: Waltrip told Marty Smith on ESPN’s NASCAR Now that he will get the car back to practice on Wednesday and run the Gatorade Duel’s 150. Smith also said that NASCAR told him penalties would not be announced until late Tuesday afternoon at the earliest or as late as Wednesday.(2-12-2007)
    UPDATE 5: Marty Snider of Sirius NASCAR Radio, Ch 128 reported that NASCAR has not given the primary car back, has given no indication if the team will get the car back or any penalties, the #55 team is preparing the backup car from #00-Reutimann’s team to practice today, which is scheduled to start at 12:00noon/et.(2-14-2007)
    UPDATE 6: Sirius NASCAR Radio, Ch 128 had PRN’s Mark Garrow on the Driver’s Seat show this morning and reported that the team had taken a #44 Toyota is reskinning the car and putting the #32 on the car, soucres say the #55 team and Waltrip may be ejected. Waltrip bought the #32 owners points [going with the #00 team] and Cal Wells is listed as the #00 owner. AND MORE: Garrow is reporting that crew chief David Hyder is not at the track and SPEED’s NASCAR Live reported that NASCAR fired up the engine and the substance reappeared, now NASCAR has put up a 50-foot perimeter to keep anyone out of the area and has pulled the engine out of the car and the car will not be #32, but is will keep the #55 and it is a Reutimann backup. Waltrip has declined interviews, probably will not be allowed to practice in the first practice. The team is still preparing the car. Also word around the garage is Waltrip could be suspended a few races and crew chief Hyder suspended as long as the full season.(2-14-2007)
  • EMS will not appeal 4-race suspension, may appeal #10, #19 penalties: Team owner Ray Evernham said he won’t appeal the four-race suspension to #9 team director Kenny Francis but is still mulling over whether to appeal the two-race suspensions of #19 team director Josh Browne and #10 team director Rodney Childers. Francis, the crew chief for Kasey Kahne, had his car fail post-qualifying inspection Sunday after tape came off holes in the oil tank and the right rear wheelhouse, where a hose would run during race conditions. Francis also was fined $50,000, and the team and driver were docked 50 points. Kahne also will have to start his 150-mile qualifying race for Sunday’s Daytona 500 from the rear of the field. Evernham said that one layer of tape had been slit but another had not. He said the tape was found inside the car. He said no extra holes were drilled in the car. Browne and Childers, the team directors for Elliott Sadler and Scott Riggs, were found to have illegal bolts in their spoiler fasteners prior to qualifying Sunday. They were also fined $25,000, and the team and drivers were docked 25 points. Evernham said those bolts were used in all restrictor-plate races last year and questioned whether it was right for NASCAR to penalize a team for an infraction where the part is presented for inspection prior to an event and found illegal. “I don’t know how you find out if something is legal or not until you present it for inspection,” Evernham said. “Those parts were used in 2006. The deck lid is sealed up so they cannot be an aerodynamic device. We lighten several bolts on our car.” The car owner said he is now “scared to death” wondering if parts that had been raced will be deemed illegal in pre-qualifying inspection and the team will be docked points in the future. “I’m going to be best friends with [NASCAR’s] John Darby and Robin Pemberton because I will be at their doorstep, and I will ask every nut, bolt and washer: Is this legal or not legal?” Evernham said. Evernham said he was still deciding exactly how his teams would be organized and who would be interim team directors. He said the teams will use the 150-mile qualifying races as a test to see who will work well in what role.(in part from SceneDaily.com)(2-14-2007)
  • Penalties Announced: 4 Crew Chiefs Suspended, Fines, Points Taken Away: UPDATE: NASCAR announced Tuesday that four Nextel Cup Series crew chiefs have been suspended from competition, starting with Sunday’s season-opening Daytona 500. Two of the four – Ken Francis, crew chief for the #9 Dodge driven by Kasey Kahne; and Robbie Reiser, crew chief for the #17 Ford of Matt Kenseth – have been suspended for four races and fined $50,000. Also, Kahne and Kenseth were penalized with the loss of 50 driver championship points while their car owners, Ray Evernham and Jack Roush, were penalized 50 car owner championship points. The violations by the #9 and #17 teams were found during post-qualifying inspection on Feb. 11. Both teams’ qualifying times were disallowed. Two others – Rodney Childers, crew chief for the #10 Dodge driven by Scott Riggs; and Josh Browne, crew chief for the #19 Dodge driven by Elliott Sadler – have been suspended for two races and fined $25,000. In addition, Riggs and Sadler were penalized 25 driver championship points while their car owners, James Rocco and Evernham, were penalized 25 car owner championship points. The violations by the #10 and #19 teams were found prior to qualifying. In each instance the violations were of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules) and 20-2.1E (unapproved aerodynamic modification) of the series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(2-13-2007)
    UPDATE: 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)