2013 NASCAR Penalties - Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site

NASCAR Penalties, Fines & Suspensions 2013

According to the numbers provided by NASCAR, in 152 appeals heard since November 1999
107 were upheld, 32 were reduced, 11 were overturned and in two cases the penalties were increased.
APPEALS – results 1999 to current
152 total appeals
107 upheld
32 reduced
11 overturned
2 increased
(NASCAR, updated here since)(5-8-2013)
FINAL APPEALS – results 1999 to current
16 total appeals
9 upheld
3 reduced
1 overturned
(NASCAR, updated here since)(thru last final appeal 5-7-2013)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Points Penalties for the 2013 season
#56-Martin Truex Jr. and team owner 50 points, out of the Chase [Richmond 9-7-2013], not appealed
#55-Brian Vickers and team owner 50 points [Richmond 9-7-2013], not appealed
#15-Clint Bowyer and team owner 50 points [Richmond 9-7-2013], not appealed
#2-Brad Keselowski and team owner 6 points [over 6-2-2013], not appealed
#20-Matt Kenseth and team owner 12 points [Kansas 4-21-2013], appeal reduced penalty, 5/8/2013
#2-Brad Keselowski and team owner 25 points [Texas 4-13-2013], first appeal lost 5/1/2013; final appeal heard on 5/7/2013 only reduced suspensions to crew members
#22-Joey Logano and team owner 25 points [Texas 4-13-2013], first appeal lost 5/1/2013; final appeal heard on 5/7/2013 only reduced suspensions to crew members
#56-Martin Truex Jr. and team owner 6 points [Texas 4-13-2013], not appealed
NOTE: in the current system a 6 point penalty is the same as a 25 points penalty in the old system
and a 25 point penalty is similar to a 100 point penalty in the old system [1975-2010]
For records, past season links, some rules and more, see my Main Penalties News page

Sprint Cup Series Penalties

Penske deal with Front Row at Richmond to help Logano? UPDATES – Gordon added to Chase: Penske Racing may have cut a deal with Front Row Motorsports in the closing laps at Richmond for track position to help get #22-Joey Logano in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. In radio communications reviewed Wednesday by The Associated Press for Front Row driver #38-David Gilliland, his spotter informs the team of a request to let Logano pass him in the final laps of Saturday night’s race. Logano was trying to claim a spot in the 12-driver Chase field. Both Penske and Front Row are Ford teams and thus considered partners. A voice on the radio, believed to be crew chief Frank Kerr, asks who the request is coming from. The spotter replies: “We’ve got the big dog and all his cronies.” Kerr then says: “Travis knows what I’ve been asking for,” an apparent reference to Penske Racing competition director Travis Geisler. Logano passed Gilliland on a restart and finished 22nd, one spot ahead of Gilliland and good enough for a berth in the Chase field. “Good job, good job, man,” the spotter says after the race. “Hopefully we’ll get something out of that.” Statistics analyzed by AP also show Gilliland’s lap times dropped off by almost 1 second from the times he was running prior to the radio communication.(Associated Press)(9-11-2013)
UPDATE: “NASCAR is aware of reports about the #22 and #38 radio communications at Richmond International Raceway and is looking into it, but has yet to see anything in full context that requires any action.”(NASCAR)(9-11-2013)
UPDATE 2: Thursday morning release from NASCAR: “NASCAR is continuing to gather all the facts from last Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway. NASCAR will have no further comment until all the facts have been examined. “(NASCAR)(9-12-2013)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR officials met with Front Row Motorsports crew chief Frank Kerr and spotter David Keith at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday morning to discuss Saturday’s incidents at Richmond International Raceway. A separate meeting was held with Penske Racing vice president Bud Denker, competition director Travis Geisler, vice president of operations Michael Nelson, crew chief Todd Gordon and spotter Tab Boyd. Both teams reviewed radio communications and tape from the Richmond NASCAR Sprint Cup race. FRM general manager Jerry Freeze and Penske Racing’s Denker said the teams would not comment until after a decision was made by NASCAR. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said no decision had been made on whether a 13th team would be added to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.(Fox Sports)(9-13-2013)
UPDATE 4: Following a comprehensive review of all available audio and video communications from last Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway, along with interviews with team personnel, NASCAR announced Friday the following decision:
• Both the Front Row Motorsports and Penske Racing organizations have been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Section 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing).
• A 13th car – the #24 – would be added to this year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
“Based on all of our findings this week, we determined both Front Row Motorsports and Penske Racing organizations would be placed on probation for the remainder of this season,” said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Additionally, based upon the totality of our findings, to be totally fair and equitable we decided that adding a 13th car to this year’s Chase is the appropriate action.
“Beginning with our decision Monday, which resulted in an unprecedented team penalty, and continuing with further examination of actions involving two other race teams, it is clear to us that attempts to manipulate the results impacted the Chase field.
“The integrity of our sport remains the cornerstone of NASCAR, and our actions this week speak to our commitment to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.”
Additionally, NASCAR will conduct a mandatory meeting with drivers, owners, crew chiefs and other team personnel [Saturday at 3:00pm/et] to address this issue moving forward.(NASCAR)

AND see a full transcript of the announcement on the Second NASCAR Richmond Penalty Transcript Page.(9-13-2013)
NASCAR Penalizes MWR following Richmond, Truex out of Chase, Newman in: NASCAR has issued penalties to Michael Waltrip Racing following the sanctioning body’s review of Saturday’s race at Richmond International Raceway. MWR was found to have violated Section 12-4 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing). As a result, MWR’s three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (#15, #55, #56) have been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver and 50 championship owner points, respectively.
These point penalties are assessed following the season’s 26th regular season race and not after the seeding for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Therefore, the point total for the #56 car driven by Martin Truex Jr. is reduced to 691, putting him in 17th position and eliminating him from the second Wild Card berth for the Chase field. Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 car, now moves up into the Chase as the second Wild Card participant.
NASCAR has also fined the MWR organization $300,000 and indefinitely suspended Ty Norris, MWR Executive Vice President/General Manager and spotter for the #55 car, for violating Section 12-4. The three crew chiefs – Brian Pattie (#15), Scott Miller (#55) and Chad Johnston (#56) – have all been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
“Based upon our review of Saturday night’s race at Richmond, it is our determination that the MWR organization attempted to manipulate the outcome of the race,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “As the sport’s sanctioning body, it is our responsibility to ensure there is a fair and level playing field for all of our competitors and this action today reflects our commitment to that.”(NASCAR)
AND Monday evening there was a NASCAR Press Conference with NASCAR President Mike Helton and NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton, see the full transcript of the press conference at NASCAR Richmond Penalty Transcript page.(9-9-2013)
NASCAR explains decision to not issue Daytona penalties: Typically when NASCAR blows the whistle and confiscates parts and pieces from a team, it comes back a few days later and announces a penalty. So when NASCAR on Wednesday said it would not penalize 16 Sprint Cup teams and 15 Nationwide teams found with illegal roof-flap spacers last week at Daytona International Speedway, it certainly raised eyebrows.
All cars at New Hampshire have the correct spacers in them, NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said Friday. Roof flap are designed to keep cars on the ground during spins and crashes at high speeds. “We realize 31 teams didn’t roll over on Monday morning before the week and decide to do that,” Pemberton said. “It’s our job to do some research, talk to some different teams and get to the bottom of it. We came to the conclusion that it’s probably not the first time stuff like that is run. … As the years have evolved in the 17 years of running roof flaps, the kits were updated but old parts and pieces sometimes weren’t deleted out of the kit.” NASCAR will work with Roush Industries to “update and upgrade some of the parts and pieces in that kit,” Pemberton said. NASCAR wants all the teams to have the same spacers because those are the ones that it uses when doing roof-flap testing. Pemberton indicated that the fact recent major penalties were significantly decreased on appeal wasn’t given significant weight in deciding not to penalize teams.(Sporting News)(7-14-2013)
No penalties after Daytona: Following a thorough review, NASCAR announced Wednesday that it will not assess penalties to the teams that had to change out the spacers that support the hinge bar of the car’s roof flaps last week at Daytona International Speedway. There were 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams and 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series teams that were involved. “We examined this from every aspect we possibly could and determined that there would be no penalties involved,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “Based upon our inspection and subsequent review, it was our determination that the functionality and safety aspects of the roof flaps were not compromised and the on track competition would not be impacted. Moving forward we will work with the roof flap manufacturer and the race teams to evaluate and optimize the associated installation hardware, review the process in its totality and communicate in a timely manner to the garage area any revisions that we determine need to be made.”(NASCAR)(7-10-2013)
#2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Team Penalized For Violation: Penalties have been handed down to the #2 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team following last Sunday’s race at Dover International Speedway. The #2 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (the car failed to meet the minimum front car heights during post-race inspection) of the 2013 rule book. As a result of this violation, crew chief Paul Wolfe has been fined $25,000 and will remain on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. The team has also been docked six championship driver (Brad Keselowski) and six championship car owner (Roger Penske) points.(NASCAR)(6-4-2013)
Keselowski fails post-race inspection UPDATE2: According to media members at Dover, #2-Keselowski failed post-race inspection because his Ford was too low in the front. The car will be further examined at the NASCAR Research & Development Center. Penalties are typically announced on Tuesdays. Earlier this year #56-Truex, Jr. was penalized 6 points when his car was too low after the Texas race.(6-2-2013)
UPDATE: Brad Keselowski and Penske Racing face potential penalties after the front end of the #2 Ford was found to be too low in inspection following Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway. Keselowski finished fifth in the race to move up two spots to eighth in the standings. If penalized, it would be the second time this season. Keselowski was docked 25 points after NASCAR discovered an unapproved rear end housing before the April race at Texas.(ESPN)(6-3-2013)
UPDATE 2:
As Penske Racing awaits potential penalties for Brad Keselowski’s Ford failing postrace inspection at Dover International Speedway, the team blamed a broken part for the car not meeting minimum height. Team spokesman Jonathan Gibson [said] the part failure caused the front of the car to be too low. In a text message, Roger Penske called the Dover infraction “unfortunate,” and said the team wouldn’t appeal any possible penalty. #56-Martin Truex Jr.’s Toyota was too low in postrace inspection at Texas, resulting in a six-point deduction, a $25,000 fine and probation for crew chief Chad Johnston. Michael Waltrip Racing didn’t appeal the punishment and said the car didn’t meet minimum height because of debris in the shock that didn’t allow it to rebound.(USA Today)(6-4-2013)
Denis McGlynn explains JGR appeal: Denis McGlynn had a simple explanation why an appeals panel sided with Joe Gibbs Racing and eased penalties levied against the organization by NASCAR: The harsh punishment simply did not fit the small infraction. McGlynn, CEO of Dover International Speedway, was part of a three-person National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel that significantly reduced NASCAR’s punishment of JGR for having an illegal part in #20-Matt Kenseth’s race-winning engine at Kansas. “The penalty was so severe for what was, in our opinion, a minor infraction,” McGlynn said Thursday. McGlynn said the panel entered the appeal “thinking with more flexibility” because penalties against Penske Racing had been reduced a week earlier by chief appellate officer John Middlebrook.
“Yes, the engine was out spec very, very marginally,” McGlynn said. “There were three independent affidavits or personal testimony from engine builders who testified that infraction gave no advantage to the team. In fact, the other push rods were all overweight.” In retrospect, McGlynn said the panel should not have allowed the win to count toward Chase eligibility because the engine had an illegal part. McGlynn said he reached out that day to NASCAR President Mike Helton and apologized if he made his day more difficult. “He said we did,” McGlynn said, chuckling. “But it’s just one of those things. We’re on that panel for a purpose.”(Associated Press/ESPN)(5-31-2013)
Crew Members Suspended For Violation Of NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy: Jackson L. (Lee) Dodson II, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Frank W. Earnhardt, a crew member in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. On May 9, Dodson was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book. On May 10, Earnhardt was found to have violated Sections 12-1 and 19.(NASCAR)
AND Michael Waltrip Racing has fired crew member Lee Dodson after Dodson was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance-abuse policy. Now in its fifth year of random drug testing, NASCAR suspends indefinitely anyone who fails a drug test. Before being reinstated, those suspended must meet with a substance-abuse professional and complete a recovery program based on the professional’s recommendation. Dodson had joined MWR this year and had been working on the car of #15-Clint Bowyer. “Michael Waltrip Racing fully supports NASCAR’s substance abuse policies and those who complete the Road to Recovery program,” MWR said in a statement. “MWR’s zero tolerance policy has resulted in the immediate termination of the employee.”(Sporting News)(5-14-2013)
Gibbs’ penalties reduced by appeals panel UPDATE: According to reports from media at the NASCAR Research & Development Center, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel has modified the penalties accessed to Matt Kenseth’s #20 team:
Kenseth’s points penalty has been reduced from 50 to 12;
Joe Gibb’s owner points penalty has been reduced from 50 to 12;
Gibb’s suspension was eliminiated;
The marnufacturer’s point penalty to Toyota has been increased from 5 to 7 points;
Kenseth’s win at Kansas will now count for the Chase;
Crew Chief Jason Ratcliff’s suspension has been reduced from 6 races to 1. His fine remains at $200,000.
The appeal panel consisted of Mark Arute (Stafford Motor Speedway), Denis McGlynn (Dover Raceway) and Jack Housby (former team owner).(5-8-2013)
UPDATE: The National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of the#20 Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.
The penalties concern Sections 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12-4J: Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR rule book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event; and 20-5.5.3E: Only solid magnetic steel connecting rods with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted. Connecting rod failed to meet minimum connecting rod weight. The penalties stemmed from a post-race engine inspection April 23 at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. The Appellants appealed all penalties. The Appellants also requested and were granted a deferral of the suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened. Upon hearing the testimony, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to amend the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The amendments are as follows:
• Crew chief Jason Ratcliff: The $200,000 fine remains intact; NASCAR suspension now covers one championship points event. In addition, he will be placed on NASCAR probation until the completion of the next three championship points events following his reinstatement;
• Car owner Joe Gibbs: Loss of championship owner points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Driver Matt Kenseth; Loss of championship driver points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Manufacturer: The loss of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturer championship points has been increased to seven.(NASCAR)(5-8-2013)
Penske fines and points penalties upheld; suspensions reduced UPDATE: According to media at the NASCAR Research & Development Center, Chief Appeallate Officer John Middlebrook has upheld the fines and penalties to the Penske Racing #2 & #22 teams, but has reduced the suspensions from 6 races to 2 races (plus the All-Star race) for the crew chiefs, car chiefs, and team engineers on both teams, as well as #2 team manager Travis Geisler. See complete information on the original penalties on the NASCAR Penalties, Fines & Suspensions page. (5-7-2013)
UPDATE: Penske Racing won a partial victory Tuesday in its final appeal to have penalties against the Sprint Cup teams of Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano overturned or reduced. NASCAR chief appellate officer John Middlebrook upheld all the fines and point penalties, but he reduced the suspensions of seven crew members from six races to two races. The crew members still will be suspended for the May 18 All-Star race. A week ago, the National Stock Car Racing panel unanimously upheld NASCAR’s penalties, sending the final decision to Middlebrook. As a result, the 25-point deductions for Keselowski and Logano in the driver and owner standings stand. So do the $100,000 fines for crew chiefs Paul Wolfe and Todd Gordon. But the suspensions for Wolfe, Gordon, chiefs Jerry Kelley and Raymond Fox, engineers Brian Wilson and Samuel Stanley and competition director Travis Geisler were reduced by four, which team owner Roger Penske considered a victory. The suspensions will begin this weekend at Darlington Raceway and include the May 26 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Those suspended will return for the June 2 race at Dover.(ESPN.com)(5-7-2013)
UPDATE 2: On May 7, 2013 the Chief Appellate Officer heard and considered the appeal of the penalties from the #2 and #22 Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. These penalties stemmed from pre-race inspection for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway April 13. The penalties concern Sections 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12-4J: Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR rule book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event; and 20-12: All suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted in a completed form/assembly to the office of the NASCAR competition administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond component normal rotation or suspension travel.
The results of the Chief Appellate Officer hearing were:
– Upholding the fines and points penalties that were originally assessed.
– Reducing the suspensions of the seven team members from six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race) to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race).
The seven team members in question will be suspended for the next three upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends at Darlington Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. They will return for the race weekend at Dover International Speedway. They remain on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
“After looking at all the facts and data and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties,” said John Middlebrook, Chief Appellate Officer. “However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the all-star race to two points races and the all-star race.”(NASCAR)(5-7-2013)
RCR appealing suspension of crew members: Richard Childress Racing has appealed the four-week suspensions to Brian Scott crewmen Michael Scearce and Thomas Costello, who were arrested last week following the Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Scearce faces two misdemeanor assault charges and Costello faces one misdemeanor assault charge after a fight with Turner Scott Motorsports driver Nelson Piquet Jr. in the driver/owner parking lot Friday night at RIR. NASCAR has deferred the suspensions pending appeal, so both Scearce and Costello will work with the team this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. No appeal date has been set. Scearce and Costello have a June 25 court date in Richmond.(Sporting News)(5-2-2013)
Penalties against Penske Racing have been upheld by appeals panel: many reports on Twitter say the penalties against Penske Racing have been upheld by appeals panel. Penske will appeal to highest level, Chief Appellate Officer. John Middlebrook. Penske crew members will be able to work at Talladega pending approval of Middlebrook.(5-1-2013)
AND: The National Car Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel upheld the penalties Wednesday to the Penske Racing teams of #2-Brad Keselowski and #22-Joey Logano. Team owner Roger Penske said he would appeal the ruling to National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook. “I can’t make any comments, it’s clear we have a process and I’m better off to wait to see that conclude,” Penske said. “All I can say about the process is it’s fair and equitable. We had an opportunity to explain our case in detail. We will move onto the next step.”
The appeals panel of Pocono Raceway president Brandon Igdalsky, former NASCAR senior vice president Paul Brooks and Bowman-Gray Stadium operator Dale Pinilis took about five hours to hear arguments from both sides and deliberate on the decision. The three-person panel was chosen from a list of 49 eligible members.
“We take our inspection process very seriously,” NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. “We believe we do a strong and credible job with it. The level playing field in the garage we believe is the best it’s ever been. As the sanctioning body, we have to uphold the rules and regulations in the rulebook. The inspection process we believe in very strongly.” Sprint Cup director John Darby presented NASCAR’s side.
Team owner Roger Penske attended the hearing with chief lieutenants Walt Czarnecki (vice president of Penske Corp.) and Tim Cindric (Penske Racing president). Team manager Travis Geisler and crew chiefs Paul Wolfe (Keselowski) and Todd Gordon (Logano) also were present.(USA Today)(5-1-2013)
NASCAR Statement: On May 1, 2013, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of the #2 and #22 Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. The penalties concern Sections 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12-4J: Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR rule book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event; and 20-12: All suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted in a completed form/assembly to the office of the NASCAR competition administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond component normal rotation or suspension travel. The penalties stemmed from a pre-race inspection at Texas Motor Speedway April 13.
The original penalties assessed to the #2 team were:
· Crew chief (Paul Wolfe): $100,000 fine; suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;
· Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars): Suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;
· Car owner Roger Penske: Loss of 25 championship owner points;
· Driver Brad Keselowski: Loss of 25 championship driver points.
The original penalties assessed to the #22 team were:
· Crew chief (Todd Gordon): $100,000 fine; suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;
· Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley: Suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;
· Car owner Walt Czarnecki: Loss of 25 championship owner points;
· Driver Joey Logano: Loss of 25 championship driver points.
The Appellants appealed all penalties listed above. The Appellants also requested and were granted a deferral of the suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened. Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel 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 Chief Appellate Officer. The National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel overseeing the appeal: Brandon Igdalsky, Paul Brooks, Dale Pinilis and Shawn Rogers – Appellate Administrator and non-voting member.(NASCAR)(5-1-2013)
Kenseth penalty appeal to be heard May 8: On Wednesday, May 8 at 9:00am/et at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel will hear the Joe Gibbs Racing appeal of penalties assessed to the #20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. On April 23 following the Kansas Speedway race weekend, this team was penalized for infractions discovered during post-race engine inspection at the R&D Center.(NASCAR)(4-29-2013)
TRD Statment on #20 penalties: TRD Statement: “During NASCAR’s routine post-race tear down of Matt Kenseth’s race-winning car and engine from Kansas Speedway, one of our engine connecting rods weighed in approximately three grams under the legal minimum weight of 525 grams. None of the other seven connecting rods were found to be under the minimum weight. We take full responsibility for this issue with the engine used by the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team this past Sunday in Kansas — JGR is not involved in the process of selecting parts or assembling the Cup Series engines. It was a simple oversight on TRD’s part and there was no intent to deceive, or to gain any type of competitive advantage. Toyota is a company that was built on integrity, and that remains one of the guiding principles of the company. The goal of TRD has always been — and will continue to be — to build high-performance engines that are reliable, durable and powerful, and within the guidelines established by NASCAR.”(TRD)(4-24-2013)
Kenseth’s engine fails post race inspection UPDATE – penalties; team will appeal: The engine in #20-Matt Kenseth’s race-winning car from Kansas failed inspection at NASCAR’s Research and Development Center. NASCAR officials were discussing Wednesday what penalties to levy against Kenseth and Joe Gibbs Racing, multiple people familiar with the inspection told the AP on the condition of anonymity because no decision has been made. The engine failed because one of the connecting rods not meeting the minimum weight requirement. Kenseth drove the #20 Toyota to his second win of the season Sunday in Kansas. It is standard procedure for the race winning engine to go back to Concord for a thorough inspection. The JGR engines are supplied by Toyota Racing Development out of Costa Mesa, Calif., but NASCAR would hold the team responsible for any infractions.(Associated Press)(4-24-2013)
UPDATE: Penalties have been handed down to the #20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team as a result of rule violations discovered in the post-race engine inspection April 23 at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. The #20 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-5.5.3 (E) (Only magnetic steel connecting rods with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted; connecting rod failed to meet the minimum connecting rod weight) of the 2013 rule book. As a result of this violation, NASCAR has assessed the following penalties:
• Crew chief Jason Ratcliff has been fined $200,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (a period of time that also includes the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
• Car owner Joe Gibbs has lost 50 championship car owner points; the first place finish from April 21 at Kansas Speedway will not earn bonus points toward the accumulated aggregate car owner points total after the completion of the first 26 events of the current season and will not be credited towards the eligibility for a car owner Wild Card position; has had the owner’s license for the #20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car suspended until the completion of the next six championship points events, therefore being ineligible to receive championship car owner points during that period of time.
• Driver Matt Kenseth has lost 50 championship driver points; the Coors Light Pole award from April 19 at Kansas Speedway will not be allowed for eligibility into the 2014 Sprint Unlimited; the first place finish from April 21 at Kansas Speedway will not earn bonus points toward the accumulated aggregate driver points total after the completion of the first 26 events of the current season and will not be credited towards the eligibility for a driver Wild Card position.
• The loss of five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturer Championship points.
(NASCAR)(4-24-2013)
UPDATE 2: Joe Gibbs Racing Statement: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is aware of the penalty issued by NASCAR today regarding the engine in our #20 car used in last week’s Sprint Cup Series race in Kansas. It is our understanding that one of the eight connecting rods on the engine was ruled too light. We are working with our partners at TRD on this issue. In the meantime we will plan to appeal the penalty.(JGR)(4-24-2013)
Penske appeal to be heard May 1: Penske Racing’s appeal of penalties issued to reigning Sprint Cup champion #2-Brad Keselowski and #22-Joey Logano will be held on May 1. The appeal will be heard by three members selected from the National Stock Car Racing Commission. If the panel stands by NASCAR’s ruling, Penske Racing has the option to go to the final appeal stage in which chief appellate officer John Middlebrook makes the ruling after hearing from both sides. NASCAR has referred to the confiscated parts as unapproved because they were altered to move in a way that officials have told teams was off limits. Logano said during a Tuesday during a press event promoting the May 18 All-Star race and May 26 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway the teams are in the preliminary stages for preparing for what will happen if the suspensions stand. “We need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” he said. “We’ll bring in some extra people [at Richmond] to have some overlap on our team to prepare if the appeal doesn’t go the way we expect it to. We need to always do that.(ESPN)(4-23-2013)
Penske Racing to appeal penalties: “Penske Racing received communication today from NASCAR regarding penalties they have issued against the #2 and #22 teams. Penske Racing will appeal utilizing the appropriate NASCAR process. We have no further comment at this time.”(Penske Racing Facebook)(4-17-2013)
Statement by MWR regarding penalty: The following statement is in response to Wednesday’s penalty issued by NASCAR to Michael Waltrip Racing. “Michael Waltrip Racing is sensitive to working within the guidelines of NASCAR policy. This infraction clearly occurred as a result of a malfunction caused by race conditions. Therefore, we will not appeal. We thank NASCAR for providing a fair and equitable platform for all of its competitors and respect its decisions.”(MWR)(4-17-2013)
NASCAR Penalties announced for three teams: Penalties have been handed down to three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams following last Saturday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. The #56 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (the car failed to meet the minimum front car heights during post-race inspection) of the 2013 rule book.
As a result of this violation, crew chief Chad Johnston has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 5. The team has also been docked six championship driver (Martin Truex Jr.) and six championship owner (Michael Waltrip) points.
The #2 and #22 cars have also been penalized. Both cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4J and 20-12 (all suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted, in a completed form/assembly, to the office of the NASCAR Competition Administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond normal rotation or suspension travel.)
As a result of this violation and as it pertains to the #2 car the following penalties have been assessed:
· Crew chief Paul Wolfe has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
· Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both the #2 and #22 cars) have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
· The loss of 25 championship driver (Brad Keselowski) and 25 championship owner (Roger Penske) points.
As it pertains to the #22 car the following penalties have been assessed:
· Crew chief Todd Gordon has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
· Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
· The loss of 25 championship driver (Joey Logano) and 25 championship owner (Walt Czarnecki) points.(NASCAR)
Hamlin fined for Phoenix post-race comments UPDATES: NASCAR has fined driver #11-Denny Hamlin $25,000 for comments he made following the March 3 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. NASCAR determined that Hamlin violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book. NASCAR issued the following statement regarding the penalty: “Following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event last Sunday at Phoenix International Raceway, Denny Hamlin made some disparaging remarks about the on-track racing that had taken place that afternoon. While NASCAR gives its competitors ample leeway in voicing their opinions when it comes to a wide range of aspects about the sport, the sanctioning body will not tolerate publicly made comments by its drivers that denigrate the racing product.”(NASCAR)
Comments: NASCAR did not announce the specific comment that got Hamlin fined, but the following appears to be his primary complaint against the car after the race (per Toyota PR):
Q: How much did you learn about the new race car today?
Hamlin: “We learned a lot. I don’t want to be the pessimist, but it did not race as good as our generation five cars. This is more like what the generation five was at the beginning. The teams hadn’t figured out how to get the aero balance right. Right now, you just run single-file and you cannot get around the guy in front of you. You would have placed me in 20th-place with 30 (laps) to go, I would have stayed there — I wouldn’t have moved up. It’s just one of those things where track position is everything.”(3-7-2013)
UPDATE: Denny Hamlin said on Thursday that he refuses to pay the fine that NASCAR assessed him after comments he made regarding the new Generation 6 car last weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. The car debuted in the Sprint Cup Series this season. “Ultimately, I’m not OK with it,” Hamlin said of the penalty. “This is the most upset and angry I’ve been about anything in a really, really long time – anything that relates to NASCAR … the truth is what the truth is and I don’t believe in this, I’m never going to believe in it. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not going to pay the fine. If they suspend me, they suspend me. I don’t care at this point.”(Fox Sports)(3-7-2013)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR VP of Competition Robin Pemberton discussed the fine Thursday afternoon:
Q. Denny Hamlin was saying he’s not planned to pay the fine that he was given for his comments. What would be the procedure and how long does he have to pay?
ROBIN PEMBERTON: He also has the ability to appeal. The fines are supposed to be paid as soon as possible, but we’re not in any of those windows yet where it seems to be a problem.
Q. Where is the limitation for what drivers can say without facing a fine if they have concerns about the car, whatever?
ROBIN PEMBERTON: We give them quite a bit of latitude, but you can’t slam your racing, you can’t slam your product. That’s where it crosses a line.
Q. If Denny wants to appeal the fine, what would that process entail?
ROBIN PEMBERTON: He has to let us know. He has to write a letter.
Q. He can continue to compete?
ROBIN PEMBERTON: Yes. It’s like every other appeal. Over the course of time, you remember mechanics and crew chiefs, whatever, if they appeal, then they can continue to carry on business as usual until the appeal has been heard and ruled on.
Q. Just to clarify on that. When he does appeal, does it also go to the National Stockcar Racing Commission and then to the chief appellate officer?
ROBIN PEMBERTON: This isn’t any different than an illegal part or piece.(NASCAR)(3-7-2013)

Nationwide Series Penalties

Piquet, Jr. penalized by NASCAR: Nelson Piquet Jr., driver of the #30 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $10,000, required to participate in sensitivity training as directed by NASCAR, and placed on indefinite probation for violating the sanctioning body’s Code of Conduct policy. On September 25, Piquet violated Sections 7-5 (Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the 2013 NASCAR rule book. “Nelson Piquet Jr. recently communicated an offensive and derogatory term that cannot be tolerated in our sport,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “NASCAR’s Code of Conduct explicitly spells out in the 2013 rule book our position regarding the use of disparaging terms. We expect our entire industry to abide by this Code.”(NASCAR)
TSM Statement: We have spoken to Nelson about his insensitive comment and he understands that such remarks will not be tolerated at Turner Scott Motorsports. TSM expects those associated with the team to uphold professional standards that we can all be proud of. Nelson has assured the team that he has learned his lesson and he knows what it means to represent TSM.(Turner Scott Motorsports)
Piquet Statement: “I sincerely apologize to everyone for my poor choice of words last week. I did not mean to hurt or offend anyone,” the Brazilian said in a statement. This has been a cultural learning experience that will make me a more sensitive person moving forward.”
AND: NASCAR fined Nationwide Series driver Nelson Piquet Jr. $10,000 and placed him on indefinite probation Tuesday for using a homophobic slur on Instagram last week. While commenting on a photo that Nationwide Series driver Parker Kligerman posted of himself, Piquet used a three-letter slur as a one-word description of Kligerman. The word is offensive to a homosexual.(Sporting News)(10-1-2013)
Logano fails post-race inspection UPDATE: #22-Joey Logano’s Ford failed post-race inspection at Dover. The car was too low on both front sides. Expect a points penalty to be announced early next week.(9-28-2013)
UPDATE: Penalties have been levied to the #22 NASCAR Nationwide Series team as a result of rules violations committed last Saturday at Dover International Speedway. During post-race inspection Sept. 28, theE #22 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the NASCAR rule book, or has been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20A-12.8.1(B) (the car failed to meet the minimum front car heights) of the 2013 rule book. As a result of this violation, crew chief Jeremy Bullins has been fined $10,000 and owner Roger Penske has been docked with the loss of six championship series car owner points.(NASCAR)
AND “The Penske Racing #22 Ford Mustang had a spring retaining screw back out during Saturday’s Nationwide Series race, which resulted in the car’s front end being too low by 1/16 of an inch when presented for post-race inspection. The problem is being addressed internally to prevent it from happening again and the team is not planning to appeal the penalty.”(Penske Racing)(10-1-2013)
Larson, Piquet fail post race inspection: The Turner Scott Motorsports cars of #32-Kyle Larson and #30-Nelson Piquet failed postrace inspection Saturday night following the Nationwide Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Both cars were too low in the front following the Great Clips/Grit Chips 300. Any penalties likely would be announced Tuesday, although the standard penalty for being too low would be six points. Assuming a six-point penalty, Larson, who was fifth Saturday so his car had automatic postrace height inspection, would fall from a tie for seventh in the standings to ninth, 73 points behind leader Sam Hornish Jr. Piquet, who was 12th in the race and a random selection for postrace height inspection, would fall from 11th to 12th in the standings, 207 points behind Hornish. (Sporting News)(9-1-2013)
UPDATE: Penalties have been issued to teams in the NASCAR Nationwide Series following last weekend’s events at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The #30 and #32 teams have been penalized for violating Sections 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the NASCAR rule book, or has been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20A-12.8.1(B) (Car failed to meet the minimum front car heights). These infractions were all discovered during post-race inspection Aug. 31.As a result of these violations, crew chiefs Pat Tryson (#30 car) and Trent Owens (#32 car) have each been fined $10,000. In addition, drivers Nelson Piquet Jr. (#30) and Kyle Larson (#32) have been docked with the loss of six championship series driver points. Owner Harry Scott Jr. has been docked with the loss of six championship owner points for each of the two cars (#30 & #32).(NASCAR)(9-4-2013)
Crew Member Suspended by NASCAR: Robert S. Harrison, a crew member in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s Substance Abuse Policy. On May 30, Harrison was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy) of the 2013 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(6-4-2013)
RCR appeal of Richmond penalties denied: On May 24, 2013, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of the#2 Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Nationwide Series team. The penalties concern Section 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing. Involved in an altercation with another competitor after the race had concluded. The penalties stemmed from a post-race incident following the April 26 race at Richmond International Raceway.
The original penalties assessed to the #2 team were:
• Crew members Thomas Costello and Michael Scearce were both fined $15,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next four NASCAR Nationwide Series events. They were also both placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
• The Appellants appealed all penalties listed above. The Appellants also requested and were granted a deferral of the suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened.
Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The suspensions of the two crew members in question will take effect beginning with the May 31 event at Dover International Speedway. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.(NASCAR)(5-24-2013)
#54 team penalized after Darlington: NASCAR announced that NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chief Adam Stevens (#54 team) has been fined and placed on probation for violations during this past weekend’s event at Darlington Raceway. In addition, the team’s car chief Christopher Landis has been placed on probation for the remainder of the year. Stevens has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Landis has likewise been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. The rules violations referred to Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the rule book); 20A-2.1E (streamlining of the contours of the car, beyond what is approved by the series director will not be permitted. Installation of air directional devices, underpans, baffles, shields or the like beneath the car or the car’s hood and fender area, front firewall, floor, rear firewall area, rear deck and quarter panel area will not be permitted. If, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted. Addition of body fillers of any type, to the underside of the body, chassis or suspension components will not be permitted. All cars must remain standard in appearance); 20A-3.10A (front upper bumper cover must be from the respective OEM manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. The front lower bumper cover and rear bumper cover must be from an approved manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. Once approved, the front lower bumper covers may be used on all approved models. NASCAR officials may use bumper covers provided by the respective manufacturer as a guide in determining whether a competitor’s bumper cover conforms to the specifications of the NASCAR rule book. Unless otherwise authorized by the series director, cutting and reshaping of bumper covers will not be permitted.) The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on May 9.(NASCAR)(5-14-2013)
Scott, Piquet tangle after race; crew members arrested UPDATES – Penalties: Henrico County Police had two adult males in custody Friday night after a fight in the driver/owner lot of Richmond International Raceway following a Nationwide Series race where Richard Childress Racing and Turner Scott Racing crews and drivers nearly brawled. The police department did not reveal details of who was involved in the altercation but Richard Childress Racing confirmed its involvement and multiple sources said Turner Scott Motorsports personnel and driver Nelson Piquet Jr. were talking to police in the motorhome lot. A statement from Richard Childress Racing Director of Communications Tim Packman confirmed the team’s involvement. “We are aware an incident took place outside of the track’s infield following Friday night’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway involving members of our team and others from another team,” the statement said. “We are cooperating with the local authorities in this matter.” The incident occurred a little more than an hour after the race.
Two separate incidents following the Nationwide Series race involved RCR and Turner Scott Motorsports, sparked by an on-track incident between Piquet and RCR driver Brian Scott. Following the race, both crews nearly came to blows and Scott went up to Piquet, who shoved Scott away and then kicked him in the groin. Piquet later apologized for kicking Scott, saying it was in self-defense.(Sporting News)(4-27-2013)
UPDATE: Police have released the names of two Richard Childress Racing crew members arrested for alleged assault at Richmond International Raceway late Friday night. Michael A. Scearce, 50, and Thomas F. Costello, 35, were taken into custody after a postrace incident spilled over to the driver/owner motorhome lot. The assault injured one of the two adult male victims, whose names were not released. Scearce and Costello are both members of RCR’s #2 team, which fields cars for Brian Scott. Both men were charged with misdemeanors and released early Saturday morning, according to Henrico County police Lt. Linda Toney. A court date for both will be determined at a later time.(USA Today)(4-27-2013)
UPDATE 2: Statement from Richard Childress: “I didn’t witness what took place last night outside of the race track. Our team members were walking to their cars and words were exchanged with members from another team, which led to an altercation. I am still learning all the exact details and, because it did happen outside of the track, local authorities became involved. We are working with them to resolve this matter. We are now concentrating on winning the Sprint Cup race tonight.”(RCR)(4-27-2013)
UPDATE 3: Statement from Turner Scott Motorsports: “Turner Scott Motorsports can confirm that an incident occurred near the Driver/Owner parking lot of Richmond International Raceway following the NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Friday, April 26th. Several members of another race team confronted a group that included Nelson Piquet Jr., resulting in the arrest of two individuals from the other race team. TSM will have no further comment on the incident as the matter is an active case with the Henrico Police Department.”(TSM)(4-27-2013)
UPDATE 4: Penalties have been levied to two NASCAR Nationwide Series teams as a result of their involvement in separate post-race incidents following last Friday’s race at Richmond International Raceway. Thomas Costello and Michael Scearce, both crew members for the #2 team, have each been fined $15,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next four NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship events. They have also been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Both Costello and Scearce were found to be in violation of Section 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing. Involved in an altercation with another competitor after the race had concluded). Drivers Nelson Piquet Jr. (#30 car) and Brian Scott (#2 car) have been placed on NASCAR probation until June 26 for violating Section 12-1 and their involvement in an on-track altercation with their two cars after the race had concluded. Crew chiefs Chris Carrier (#30 car) and Phil Gould (#2 car) have likewise been placed on NASCAR probation until June 26 as a result of the on-track incident between their two drivers.(NASCAR)(4-30-2013)
NASCAR reinstates Clements UPDATE: NASCAR has reinstated driver Jeremy Clements upon the successful completion of stipulations following his indefinite suspension from NASCAR on Feb. 27 for violating the sanctioning body’s Code of Conduct policy. Clements will be on NASCAR probation until Sept. 13, 2013. “As part of the requirements for reinstatement, Jeremy Clements participated in an individualized program with Dr. Richard Lapchick and his staff at the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “In Dr. Lapchick’s judgment, Jeremy has successfully completed the program. We’re pleased that Jeremy has taken these important steps and will return to racing starting this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway.”(NASCAR)(3-13-2013)
UPDATE: Clements will be back in the #51 Chevy starting this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. In a statement released this morning from his Spartanburg S.C. shop, Clements said, “I would like to thank NASCAR for their support throughout this entire process. I would like to also thank Dr. Lapchick and his team for their time and the opportunity to help me grow. I have learned a lot and am looking ahead, to getting back in the car at Bristol and having a fresh start to the season. I am truly grateful to my sponsors who have stood by me, to my fans for their tremendous outpouring of support and to my family and team for their unwavering love and support.”(Clements PR)(3-13-2013)

Camping World Truck Series Penalties

Sauter’s fuel cell confiscated UPDATE: Inspectors confiscated the fuel cell from Truck Series points leader Johnny Sauter this weekend at Kansas Speedway and will review it the first part of next week. NASCAR did not say what issue was found with the fuel cell, which was taken Thursday during the opening day inspection. Any potential penalties would also be handed down next week. Sauter won the first two races of the season at Daytona and Martinsville, and finished fourth at Rockingham. He stayed out of trouble in a crash-filled race Saturday at Kansas to finish fifth, maintaining a 12-point lead over Matt Crafton in the series standings.(Associated Press)(4-21-2013)
UPDATE: NASCAR announced penalties and fines to the #98 team that competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, as a result of rule infractions at Kansas Speedway. The #98 truck was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4K (if in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, race equipment that has been previously verified or previously approved and/or sealed by NASCAR for use in an event, pursuant to sub-section 8-6 and/or 8-12, has been altered, modified, repaired, or changed in any manner); 20B-16 (once a fuel cell or fuel cell components have been certified, modifications of any kind will not be permitted to the fuel cell or fuel cell components); and 20B-16.1B (standard black, safety foam with minimum free-standing height of eight (8) inches, acceptable to NASCAR Officials, and used as provided by an approved fuel cell manufacturer, must be used: Fuel cell safety foam modification.) of the 2013 rule book. As a result of this violation, crew chief Joel Shear has been fined $10,000 and suspended from NASCAR competition until the completion of the next four (4) NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events. He has been placed on NASCAR probation until December 31. The team has also been docked 25 championship driver (Johnny Sauter) and 25 championship owner (Mike Curb) points. The violations involving the #98 truck occurred in opening day inspection.(NASCAR)(4-24-2013)
AND:The penalty knocked Sauter out of the points lead and dropped him into a tie with Jeb Burton with 149 points through four races.
The punishment moves Matt Crafton, who won Saturday at Kansas, into first by 13 points through four races.(USA Today)(4-24-2013)
Hornaday penalized for Rockingham incident: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ron Hornaday Jr. has been penalized by NASCAR following his involvement in an on-track incident last Sunday at Rockingham Speedway. Hornaday Jr., driver of the #9 truck, was found to have violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing. Altercation with another competitor on the race track during a caution period) of the 2013 rule book. As a result of this violation, Hornaday Jr. has been fined $25,000, docked 25 championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation until June 12.(NASCAR)(4-17-2013)
UPDATE: NTS Motorsports received notification of NASCAR’s penalties assessed for the incident involving Ron Hornaday Jr., occurring at Rockingham Speedway. NTS supports NASCAR’s rulings and penalties, will not appeal and has no further comments.(NTS Motorsports PR)(4-17-2013)