NASCAR Penalties, Fines & Suspensions 2015

  • According to the numbers provided by NASCAR, in 158 appeals heard since November 1999
    110 were upheld, 34 were reduced, 11 were overturned and in two cases the penalties were increased.
  • APPEALS – results 1999 to current
    158 total appeals
    110 upheld
    34 reduced
    12 overturned / rescinded
    2 increased
    (NASCAR, updated here since)(11-5-2015)
  • FINAL APPEALS – results 1999 to current
    19 total final appeals
    14 upheld
    4 reduced
    1 overturned
    (NASCAR, updated here since)(thru last final appeal 11-5-2015)

    (NASCAR, updated here since)(thru last final appeal 5-6-2015)

  • NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Points Penalties for the 2015 season
    #10-Danica Patrick, 25 drivers/owners points
    #15-Clint Bowyer, 25 drivers/owners points, lost appeal, no final appeal
    #98-Timmy Hill, 15 owners points (driver doesn’t score Cup drivers points)
    #31-Ryan Newman, 75 drivers/owners points; appeal reduced it to 50 drivers/owners points
    #33-Brian Scott, 25 drivers/owners points; appeal reduced it to 10 drivers/owners points
  • What happens to the money from the penalties?

    As of the start of the 2008 season, all money collected from fines issued to drivers go to NASCAR,
    then NASCAR donates the money to the NASCAR Foundation for its charitable initiatives.
    The drivers do NOT get a tax deduction on fines.
    Before 2008, the money collected from driver/crew member penalties are generally placed into the Drivers Points Fund awarded at the end of the season.
  • For records, current Appeals Panel Members, National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer, past season links, some rules and more…..:
    go to Jayski.com’s NASCAR Penalties Main page
  • Enhancements To NASCAR Penalty Structure, Appeals Process Announced (2014)

 

Sprint Cup Series Penalties / Suspensions

 

  • 2015 Pit Road Penalties: Who was caught speeding on pit road the most this season? Who’s pit crew jumped over the wall too soon the most? Who drove through three or more pit boxes most often? With the season complete, the numbers can be tallied. With NASCAR’s new camera monitoring system of pit stops, pit road infractions – such as driving through three or more pit boxes, crew members over the wall too soon and teams not in control of the outside tire – were expected to be scrutinized more closely this season. Here’s a look at some key penalties this season and who were the leaders in those categories.
    Speeding Penalties
    #23-Jeb Burton … 8
    #11-Denny Hamlin … 7
    #46-Michael Annett … 6
    #16-Greg Biffle … 6
    #27-Paul Menard … 6
    Crew over the wall too soon
    #23-Jeb Burton … 4
    #32-Josh Wise … 4
    #41Kurt Busch … 3
    Driving through more than 3 pit boxes
    #47-AJ Allmendinger … 3
    #6-Trevor Bayne … 2
    #83-Matt DiBenedetto … 2
    #9-Sam Hornish Jr. … 2
    #13-Casey Mears … 2
    Crew not in contact with outside tire
    #47-AJ Allmendinger … 5
    #35-Cole Whitt … 5
    #83-Matt DiBenedetto … 4
    #55-David Ragan … 4
    see the complete list at NBC Sports(11-28-2015)
  • Teams receive warnings at Phoenix: Six Sprint Cup teams – including championship contender #18-Kyle Busch’s team – received warnings for inspection issues last weekend at Phoenix International Raceway, NASCAR announced Wednesday. Busch’s team received its third warning after it failed pre-race inspection twice. If Busch’s team receives a fourth warning before pit stalls are picked this weekend, his team will have to pick last for this weekend’s season finale. Other Cup teams with three warnings entering this weekend are the teams of #4-Kevin Harvick, #7-Alex Bowman, #11-Denny Hamlin and #23-Jeb Burton.
    Other Cup teams receiving warnings at Phoenix:
    #10-Danica Patrick’s team failed pre-race inspection three times and also will lose 15 minutes of practice Friday.
    #20-Matt Kenseth’s team failed pre-race inspection three times and also will lose 15 minutes of practice Friday.
    #46-Michael Annett’s team failed pre-race inspection three times and also will lose 15 minutes of practice Friday.
    #16-Greg Biffle’s team received a warning after failing pre-race inspection twice.
    #27-Paul Menard’s team received a warning after failing pre-race inspection twice.
    (NBC Sports)(11-19-2015)
  • NASCAR warnings from Texas issued: NASCAR issued written warnings to five teams from last weekend’s Sprint Cup inspections at Texas. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. lost his pit stall selection for Sunday’s AAA Texas 500 because of the warning for failing the laser inspection twice in prequalifying inspection. Since NASCAR revamped its warning system in August, a fourth cumulative warning results in loss of pit selection. Earnhardt’s cumulative warnings total has been reset to zero after the penalty.
    The teams of #23-Jeb Burton (failing prerace laser inspection twice), #32-Joey Gase (failing prequalifying laser inspection three times), #95-Michael McDowell (failing prequalifying laser inspection twice) and #98-Ryan Preece (failing prequalifying laser inspection four times) also received warnings. The teams of Gase and Preece will be held out of practice for 15 minutes at Phoenix. There were no problems discovered with the cars taken to the R&D Center after Sunday’s race (race winner #48-Jimmie Johnson, runner-up #2-Brad Keselowski, #3-Austin Dillon).(NBC Sports)(11-11-2015)
  • Three Chase teams with three warnings before Texas UPDATE: In the wake of #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team losing its pit stall selection because of a fourth warning for inspection failures, three championship contenders are facing the same fate. The teams of #4-Kevin Harvick, #2-Brad Keselowski and #22-Joey Logano each have compiled three warnings since August, when NASCAR revamped its policy so that a fourth warning ensured the loss of pit selection for a race. If the fourth warning is issued before pit selection occurs after qualifying, the penalty is enforced for that race. Otherwise, it is assessed in the next event. That means if the teams of Harvick, Keselowski or Logano were to receive a warning in prerace inspection Sunday for the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway, the penalty would be enforced next week at Phoenix International Raceway – where a tight pit lane magnifies the importance of stall selection. A prequalifying warning next week also would result in loss of pit selection at Phoenix. If a fourth warning was issued in prerace inspection at Phoenix or prior to qualifying at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the loss of pit selection would be enforced in the championship finale. Keselowski’s team received its three warnings at Michigan International Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. Harvick’s warnings were amassed at New Hampshire (twice) and Charlotte. Logano’s were at Bristol, Charlotte and Kansas Speedway.(NBC Sports)(11-7-2015)
    UPDATE: Kevin Harvick’s team has compiled three warnings since August, when NASCAR revamped its policy so that a fourth warning ensured the loss of pit selection for a race. Harvick’s warnings were amassed at New Hampshire (twice) and Charlotte.
    There are two more remaining title-contending teams currently with two warnings: Joey Logano’s #22 (Bristol and Charlotte) and Jeff Gordon’s #24 (Bristol and Charlotte). Two have a warning apiece: #41-Kurt Busch (Dover) and #78-Martin Truex Jr. (Dover).
    Brad Keselowski’s #2 Ford has zero warnings after his team’s total was reset following a fourth warning that resulted in loss of pit selection last month at Kansas Speedway.(NBC Sports)(11-8-2015)
  • Penalty Announcement: Kenseth suspended 2 races; Patrick fined UPDATES Penalty upheld: Matt Kenseth , the driver of the #20 car, has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during the Nov. 1 race at Martinsville Speedway. This is a Behavioral Penalty (Sections 12.1, 12.8). Kenseth has been suspended from NASCAR through the completion of the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events and placed on NASCAR probation for a six-month period following issuance of the penalty notice.
    “Based upon our extensive review, we have concluded that the #20 car driver, who is no longer in the Chase, intentionally wrecked the #22 car driver, a Chase-eligible competitor who was leading the race at the time,”said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “The #20 car was nine laps down, and eliminated the #22 car’s opportunity to continue to compete in the race.
    “Additionally, we factored aspects of safety into our decision, and also the fact that the new Chase elimination format puts a premium on each and every race. These actions have no place in NASCAR.”
    Danica Patrick, the driver of the #10 car, has been penalized for an infraction that also took place during the Nov. 1 race at Martinsville Speedway. This is a Behavioral Penalty (Sections 12.1, 12.8). Patrick has been fined $50,000, assessed with the loss of 25 series championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.(NASCAR)(11-3-2015)
    UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing announces today that driver Matt Kenseth will appeal the penalty issued by NASCAR. The appeal will challenge the severity of the penalty which is believed to be inconsistent with previous penalties for similar on-track incidents. There will be no further comments from JGR personnel during he appear process.(JGR)
    UPDATE 2: JGR’s appeal will be expedited, meaning Kenseth’s case will be heard by a three-person panel this week before Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. If he loses, he can make a plea to Final Appeals Officer Bryan Moss. While Kenseth appeals the suspension, it can be deferred at NASCAR’s discretion. Depending on the timing of the appeal hearings, that means Kenseth could be driving his #20 Toyota in practice or qualifying at Texas this weekend in advance of Sunday’s race. The appeal likely would be settled before then, however.(NBC Sports)
    AND: Kenseth currently has 571 consecutive Sprint Cup starts, second only to Jeff Gordon’s 794. He has run every race since the beginning of the 2000 season.
    UPDATE 3: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel has scheduled Kenseth’s expedited appeal of his NASCAR penalty for 9:00am/et Thursday in Concord, NC.(11-3-2015)
    UPDATE 4: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of a Behavioral Penalty issued on Nov. 3 to Matt Kenseth (driver) relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #20 at Martinsville Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR Rule Book: Sections 12.1 and 12.8. The original penalty assessed included suspension from NASCAR until the completion of the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events and placed on NASCAR probation for six months following the issuance of the Penalty Notice. Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
    1. The Appellant violated the rules set forth in the Penalty notice;
    2. The Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalty levied by NASCAR.
    The panel consisted of the following three individuals: Mr. Ken Clapp, Mr. Bill Mullis, Mr. Dale Pinilis.
    The Appellant has chosen to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book. The appeal will begin at 1:00pm/et.(11-5-2015)
    UPDATE 5: Today the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer, Mr. Bryan Moss, heard and considered the appeal of a Behavioral Penalty issued on Nov. 3, 2015 to Matt Kenseth (driver) relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #20 at Martinsville Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR Rule Book: Sections 12.1 and 12.8. The original penalty assessed included suspension from NASCAR until the completion of the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events and placed on NASCAR probation for six months following the issuance of the Penalty Notice. Upon hearing this afternoon’s testimony, the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer made the following decisions:
    1. The Appellant violated the Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice;
    2. The Penalty is amended to: “Suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Events. Placed on NASCAR probation through December 31, 2015.”
    The decision of the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer is final and binding on all parties.(NASCAR)
    AND: “It didn’t turn out like we wanted,” Kenseth said after the final decision was announced. “I’m obviously more than a little disappointed on the decision and the penalties to start with. I’m the first driver in the 65-year history of NASCAR to get suspended for an incident that happened in a Sprint Cup Series race. I feel like I was unfairly made the example instead of knowing where the line is and what the penalties are. I’m extremely disappointed, but we’ll get through this and go to Homestead.
    “I’m not going to change who I am, not going to change what I stand for, I’m not going to change how I race. I’ve been in this business for a long time, I feel like I’ve had a pretty good career to this point and I feel like I’m going to continue to have the respect on the racetrack I feel like I deserve. I’m looking forward to going to Homestead, hopefully going there and getting a win before the year is out.”(USA Today)(11-5-2015)
  • France discusses differing penalties for Kenseth, Patrick: NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France appeared on the SiriusXM Radio Speedway show on Wednesday and addressed the two-race suspension handed out to #20-Matt Kenseth for his role in the wreck that knocked himself and Joey Logano out of Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. Also penalized coming out of Martinsville was #10-Danica Patrick for aggressive driving on #38-David Gilliland. Patrick received a $50,000 fine and the loss of 25 driver points. When asked about the difference between Kenseth’s aggressive driving and Danica’s, France noted the stakes that were on the line.
    “Going back to Richmond, we made it very clear that anybody in the industry, any driver or participant who intentionally tries to alter the outcome of events or championships, that that crosses a different line than a racing problem between two drivers,” France said.
    When asked about whether NASCAR drivers should be allowed to self-police the sport, France clarified the sanctioning body’s position. “What Robin (Pemberton) was saying a few years ago was hey look, boys have it, do your normal thing, and if we over-officiate, we’ll draw back on that and let the normal racing action of NASCAR happen,” France said. “And that’s what he meant, and that’s what we tried to do.”
    “… when there are lines that are crossed, like we believe there were in Martinsville, then NASCAR will step in and deal with that. And it’s as simple as that.”(NASCAR)(11-5-2015)
  • Teams warned after Charlotte; Keselowski & Stewart lose pit selection: NASCAR announced Wednesday that the sanctioning body has issued warnings to several teams — including five in the Chase for the Sprint Cup — following last weekend’s Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Most impacted are Chase driver #2-Brad Keselowski and non-Chase driver #14-Tony Stewart who will lose their pit selections for Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway as a result of their respective teams accumulating four written warnings. In streamlining its warning system back in August, NASCAR ruled that every fourth warning a team receives would result in automatic loss of pit selection at the next event.
    Keselowski’s #2 Team Penske team received its latest warning for violating Section 20.20.a (installation of components and/or modifications of existing components to affect the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle will be not be permitted) and Section 12.5.3.1.1.c (installation of additional components and/or modifications of existing components that affect the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle that are not explicitly permitted) of the NASCAR rule book.
    The championship-eligible team of Charlotte race winner #22-Joey Logano and the non-Chase team of the Wood Brothers’ #21-Ryan Blaney received warnings for the same infractions as Keselowski’s team.
    Stewart’s team received three warnings stemming from Charlotte — one for failing pre-race inspection templates too many times, one for failing pre-qualifying inspection too many times, and one for an infraction related to the driver-adjusted track bar. In addition to losing pit selection, Stewart will serve a 15-minute practice deduction at Kansas.
    Other teams issued warnings stemming from Charlotte include those of Chase driver #24-Jeff Gordon (failing pre-qualifying inspection too many times) and Chase drivers #4-Kevin Harvick and #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (both for failing pre-race inspection too many times). The team of non-Chase driver #17-Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was warned for failing pre-race inspection too many times, while the team of non-Chaser #15-Clint Bowyer received two warnings — one for failing pre-race inspection too many times, and one for failing pre-race inspection templates too many times.(Fox Sports)(10-15-2015)
  • Truex advances to next Chase round despite pre-race penalty: That last thing Martin Truex Jr. would have wanted was for his #78 Chevy to be pulled off the grid before the start of an elimination race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. But that’s what happened minutes before cars were set to roll off pit road for the start of the AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway Sunday. NASCAR officials deemed that the body of Truex’s car failed to conform to templates. Accordingly, Truex’s crew had to fix the car before the race, and Truex was sent to the rear for the start. After dodging an early wreck involving Jeb Burton and Josh Wise, Truex worked his way through the field, running as high as third after a two-tire call and ultimately finishing 11th. The result was good enough to propel Truex into the 12-driver Contender Round of the Chase. It wasn’t a comfortable day for the Furniture Row Racing driver, but the end result was positive. “Yeah, we had to start last,” Truex said after the race. “It is what it is. We moved on. We did what we had to do. It wasn’t a great day for us. It wasn’t a great weekend. We have been just struggling trying to get the thing turning. All in all, we had good speed when we would get track position.” According to NASCAR officials, Truex will face no additional sanctions beyond the demotion to the rear of the field on Sunday.(NASCAR Wire Service)(10-5-2015)
    UPDATE: Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, said Monday that Martin Truex Jr.’s #78 Furniture Row Racing Chevy was brought back to the laser-inspection area minutes before Sunday’s AAA 400 because it was suspected that the side skirt had been manipulated — and further inspection proved that to be true. “One of our officials noticed the side skirt of that car and thought it had perhaps been manipulated,” O’Donnell told NASCAR.com on Monday. “We brought it back to the laser-inspection station and sure enough were able to prove out that it had been.” The result was Truex Jr.’s crew had to work to fix the area and get it back up to code before rolling to the grid and starting from the back of the field because of “unapproved adjustments.” Originally slated to start ninth in the final race of the Challenger Round in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Truex rallied for an 11th-place finish and advanced to the Contender Round (NASCAR.com)
    UPDATE 2 crew chief penalized: Furniture Row Racing received a P2 penalty on Tuesday following further review of a pre-race incident at Dover International Speedway. Cole Pearn, crew chief of the #78 Sprint Cup team, has been placed on probation until the end of the year. At the time of the incident, the team and the media was told by NASCAR the penalty had been served. However, when the sanctioning body reviewed the case earlier this week, additional details led to the P2 decision.(Motorsport)(10-7-2015)
  • Warnings issued for infractions at New Hampshire: NASCAR announced Thursday that the sanctioning body has issued warnings to teams in each of the three major series for issues in technical inspection last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway or Kentucky Speedway. On the Sprint Cup side, the #4 Stewart-Haas Racing team of Chase driver Kevin Harvick was hit with two warnings and will be held out of practice 15 minutes this weekend at Dover for failing to pass NASCAR’s LASER Inspection Platform three times in pre-qualifying inspection and twice in pre-race inspection. The #2 Team Penske team of Chase driver Brad Keselowski and the #17 Roush Fenway Racing team of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. were each issued a written warning for flunking qualifying inspection once. Meanwhile, the teams of #7-Alex Bowman and #62-Timmy Hill will be held out of practice for 15 minutes at Dover for arriving late to race inspection and qualifying inspection, respectively.
    Over in the XFINITY Series, the #3 Richard Childress Racing team of Ty Dillon and the team of #25-Dylan Lupton were each issued a written warning for failing to pass NASCAR’s LASER Inspection Platform too many times at Kentucky last weekend.
    In the Camping World Truck Series, the #44 team of driver Josh Reaume will be held for 15 minutes of practice at this weekend’s truck event in Las Vegas for being late to inspection at New Hampshire.(FoxSports)(10-1-2015)
  • NASCAR Penalty Report / Chicago; MWR Appeal denied:
    NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
    · The #10 team has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during pre-qualifying inspection on Sept. 18. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1 and 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book). The right side quarter panel behind the rear wheel/tire was modified during pre-qualifying inspection. Crew chief Daniel Knost has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015. Car chief Pete White has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015.
    · The #15 team has been penalized for an infraction that occurred on opening day inspection Sept.18. This is a P4 level penalty (Section 12.1, 20. 14.c, 20.14.2.1.k, 12.5.3.4.d, 12.5.3.4.1.d & f, 12.5.3.4.2 of the NASCAR rule book). Crew chief Billy W. Scott has been fined $75,000, suspended for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship events and placed on NASCAR probation for six months following the issue of suspension. Driver Clint Bowyer has been penalized 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Driver points. Car owner Rob Kauffman has been penalized 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Owner points. NASCAR has requested to the Appeals Administrator of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel that the appeals process described in the rule book be expedited.
    AND NASCAR issued the penalty — P4 on its P1-to-P6 scale with P6 being the most severe — for violation of the rule that forbids washers or other components that allow movement of certain track bar joints or mounting bolts. Permitting those rear-end suspension components to move would allow the car to handle better in the corners (ESPN).
    NASCAR XFINITY Series
    · The #18 team has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during pre-race on Sept. 19. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1 and 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book). The right side vertical extension panel (side skirt) was modified after pre-race inspection. Crew chief Eric P. Phillips has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015. Crew member John P. Egbert Jr. has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015.
    · The #54 car failed heights during post-race inspection on Sept. 19. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1, 20.17.3.2.1. b & c, 20.17.3.2.2.b & c, 12.5.3.2.1.f, 12.5.3.2.2.a.b & d of the NASCAR rule book). Crew chief Christopher W. Gayle has been fined $12,500 and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015. Car owner J. D. Gibbs has been penalized 10 series championship owner points.(NASCAR)
    MWR Statement: Michael Waltrip Racing respectfully disagrees with today’s penalties and plans to immediately appeal. MWR has made mistakes in the past, but we feel we are correct in this instance. We look forward to the opportunity to present our case to the appeals committee and have no further public comment until the process is completed.(MWR)(9-23-2015)
    UPDATE: Michael Waltrip Racing officially filed an appeal Thursday of the championship-crippling penalties levied against Clint Bowyer’s team. Crew chief Billy Scott’s three-race suspension has been deferred through the appeal process. The appeal will be heard Wednesday. Scott will work this weekend at New Hampshire, and MWR has denied wrongdoing. The points deduction for Bowyer remains in effect through the appeals process, which means that reigning Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick moves up to 15th in the standings.(Associated Press)(9-24-2015)
    UPDATE 2: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of a P4 penalty issued on Sept. 23 to Rob Kauffman (owner), Clint Bowyer (driver), and Billy W. Scott (crew chief) relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #15 at Chicagoland Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book: Sections 12.1, 20.14c, 20.14.2.1.k, 12.5.3.4.d, 12.5.3.4.1.d&f, 12.5.3.4.2. The original penalty assessed included a $75,000 fine, three-race suspension and six months’ probation for Scott and loss of 25 championship car owner and 25 championship driver points to both Kauffman and Bowyer. Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
    1. The Appellants violated the Rule or Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice.
    2. That the Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalty assessed by NASCAR.
    The panel consisted of the following three individuals: Mr. Paul Brooks, Mr. Bill Lester, Mr. Bill Mullis.
    The Appellants have the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book as the Expedited Final Appeal. The deadline for filing is 5pm/et on Sept. 30.(NASCAR)(9-30-2015)
    UPDATE 2: Statement from Michael Waltrip Racing: “We are disappointed with the outcome of today’s ruling and still feel out interpretation is within the guidelines. Rather than continue the appeals process, MWR is ready to focus 100 person of our company’s resources on winning at Dover and trying to advance to the Contender Round of the Chase of the NASCAR Sprint Cup.(MWR)(9-30-2015)
  • NASCAR confiscates splitters from Penske cars UPDATE no penalties: Both Team Penske cars had issues getting through NASCAR technical inspection prior to Sunday’s Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan. Joey Logano’s #22 Ford was the first of the two Penske cars to roll through tech, with NASCAR taking issue with the thickness of the front splitter. When Brad Keselowski’s #2 car went through tech, it had the same issue. NASCAR required the crews of both cars to remove the original splitters and install new ones before going back through the inspection line. A NASCAR official confiscated both splitters, taking them back to the NASCAR hauler in the garage. #22 crew chief Todd Gordon said NASCAR just did not like what they saw with the splitter, saying it was “no big deal.” NASCAR allows teams to smooth out the splitter prior to the race, but issues arise when teams begin manipulating the edges and thickness of the splitter. NASCAR spokesperson Kristi King addressed the issue on Sunday, saying the splitters on both cars were so close in tolerance the sanctioning body asked the team to err on the side of caution and change the splitters. Despite the issue, neither Penske team will lose their starting positions for Sunday’s race at Michigan, and if any penalties or fines result from the issue they will likely be announced early next week.(Fox Sports)(8-16-2015)
    UPDATE Team Penske drivers #2-Brad Keselowski and #22-Joey Logano will not be penalized for the splitters NASCAR took from the cars before the Sprint Cup Series race Sunday at Michigan. NASCAR officials felt the splitters were so close to being non-compliant that they had the Penske teams replace the splitter in order to lessen the likelihood of the splitters being out of compliance following the race. They also impounded the splitters to take a closer look at them this week, and NASCAR determined there were no issues. A splitter affects the amount of front downforce for the car.(ESPN)(8-18-2015)
  • Crew Member Suspended Due To Violation of NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy UPDATE 2 Reinstated: Ernest Pierce, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s Substance Abuse Policy. On June 17, 2015, Pierce 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 2015 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR), no word which team Pierce worked for.(6-23-2015)
    UPDATE: NASCAR has indefinitely suspended Joe Gibbs Racing development pit-crew member Ernest Pierce for violation of its substance-abuse policy. To be reinstated, Pierce must complete NASCAR’s “Road to Recovery” process, which requires an assessment by a substance-abuse professional who will then determine the appropriate rehabilitation program and guidelines for Pierce’s return. NASCAR announced Pierce’s suspension Tuesday afternoon, saying it confirmed the violation (typically a failed drug test) last Wednesday. A JGR spokesman said any discipline issued by JGR would be an internal personnel matter.(ESPN)(6-24-2015)
    UPDATE2 Reinstated: NASCAR has reinstated Ernest F. Pierce, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, upon his successful completion of NASCAR’s Substance Abuse Road to Recovery Program.(NASCAR)(8-12-2015)
  • #98 team loses tungsten from car UPDATE penalized: The #98 Ford driven by Timmy Hill had a multitude of issues in Friday’s Sprint Cup practice. In the second session, a 35-pound tungsten weight fell off the car. NASCAR typically takes a dim view of ballast that is not secured properly. The sanctioning body confiscated the jettisoned weight and will address the matter in next week’s competition meeting. In Happy Hour, Hill’s Ford spun off Turn 4 and slammed nose-first into the inside wall, forcing his team to go to a backup car. As a tow truck was removing Hill’s car from the track, the back of the car scraped the track, knocking off the rear extension. Hill didn’t participate in the opening practice session.(NASCAR Wire Service)(7-25-2015)
    UPDATE: The #98 team has been assessed a P3 level penalty for having an unattached weight leave the car during practice on July 24 (Sections 12:1; 12.5.3.3.1; 20.3.5). Crew chief Scott Eggleston has been fined $25,000; suspended from the next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship points race; and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Car chief Kevin Eagle has been suspended from the next NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship points race and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Car owner Mike Curb will lose 15 championship car owner points (NASCAR), the team was 39th in Owners points with 178 and was 18 points ahead of #23-BK Racing, which has 160 and is 40th. #98 Premium Motorsports now has 163 owners points.(7-29-2015)
  • Pit road speeding penalties up in 2015: As the race for track position intensifies, drivers push the limits on pit road, contributing to an increase in speeding penalties that raises questions about what should be done. While NASCAR seeks different rules to enhance the racing – Sunday’s Brickyard 400 features a high-drag package to aid passing – the easiest place to gain spots remains pit road. That reward comes with a risk. Pit road speeding penalties are up 17.1 percent compared to this point last year and up 22 percent from two seasons ago. Six drivers, including former champions Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth, were penalized for speeding in last weekend’s Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. With caution laps up 5.7 percent from last year and 11.4 percent from two years ago, drivers have additional chances to stop for service. Pit road also can be crowded throughout a race with a record 91.2 percent of cars running at the finish – nearly 10 percent higher than two years ago. More cars on pit road means more positions to be gained, more risks to take and more mistakes that can be made. The result is that nine of the season’s first 19 Sprint Cup races have had at least five pit road speeding penalties issued with 12 such infractions called at Las Vegas and 11 at Bristol.(NBC Sports)(7-24-2015)
  • NASCAR issues warnings to #88, #18, #19 & #98 teams: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hendrick Motorsports #88 team was one of four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams that received written warnings for pre-qualifying or pre-race inspection issues this past weekend at Michigan International Speedway. THe #88 team needed three trips to clear pre-race inspection leading into Sunday’s Quicken Loans 400. The Joe Gibbs Racing entries of #18-Kyle Busch and #19-Carl Edwards, along with that of Phil Parsons Racing with driver #98-Josh Wise, had issues in pre-qualifying inspection, and made more than two trips through the line before heading out to pit road on Friday.
    Failing to pass either pre-qualifying or pre-race inspection twice results in a written warning from the sanctioning body; failing a third time will result in a 15-minute loss of practice penalty at the next scheduled event. In March, teams were notified that beginning with the Phoenix race weekend, the series’ fourth race, any vehicle failing qualifying inspection more than twice would be subject to a 15-minute practice penalty.
    Officials began issuing written warnings prior to this year’s race at Richmond International Raceway due to the number of teams requiring multiple passes through inspections. It was noted at that time that had the policy been in place the previous week, when the series was at Bristol Motor Speedway, it would have resulted in nine written warnings and three teams would have received time penalties. Since the policy was adopted, there have 44 written warnings issued to Sprint Cup teams. The warnings are a part of NASCAR’s 2015 Deterrence Policy, which categorizes infractions (Level 1 through Level 6) and the applicable penalties.
    If the same team receives two warnings during the same event, or during two consecutive events, the P1 penalties may include last choice in the pit selection process, a deduction in track time for practice or qualifying, a delay in the order of inspection or selection for post-race inspection.
    If a team or member receives six or more warnings during a six-month period (from the time of the first warning), the penalty may be increased to P2. P2 level penalty options may include the loss of 10 championship driver and owner points and/or a fine not less than $10,000 and not more than $25,000. P2 level infractions also carry the potential for suspensions and probation.(NASCAR)(6-18-2015)
  • Teams get warnings after Pocono: NASCAR confirmed Wednesday that #48-Jimmie Johnson’s team received a warning after failing to get through pre-race inspection three times last weekend at Pocono Raceway. NASCAR also stated that it gave a warning to #10-Danica Patrick’s team for failing pre-qualifying inspection multiple times at Pocono. NASCAR also gave a warning to #38-David Gilliland’s team for failing pre-qualifying inspection multiple times and to #9-Sam Hornish Jr.’s team for a pre-race inspection issue at Pocono. This marks the fourth warning Johnson’s team has received this year.(NBC Sports)(6-11-2015)
  • #48 team penalty rescinded on appeal: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of a P1 penalty issued on May 27, 2015 to Hendrick Motorsports relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #48 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The penalty concerns the following section in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.5.3.1 – Warnings and P1 penalty options:
    .b: Multiple warnings issued to the same team member or team will result in one or more P1 penalties.
    .c: If the same team receives two warnings during the same event, or two warnings during two consecutive events, whether the events are championship or non-championship, then this may result in one or more … P1 penalties at NASCAR’s discretion.
    The original penalty assessed was the last choice in the pit selection process for the next event.
    Upon hearing the testimony, the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel is:
    · Warnings are not appealable. NASCAR acted correctly in issuing a P1 penalty after the second warning.
    · But, the panel must also decide if there has been a violation of the rules (Section 14.15.1.b).
    · In the hearing, there was a preponderance of evidence presented that the side skirt violation which led to a warning did occur. There was conflicting evidence about the inspection violation which led to the second warning instead of preponderance.
    · Since only one of the two violations were shown by a preponderance of the evidence, the panel rescinds the P1 penalty.
    The panel consisted of the following three individuals: Richard Gore, David Hall, Jay Signore.(NASCAR)(6-9-2015)
  • Harvick’s team penalized: The #4 team has been assessed a P1 level penalty for receiving written warnings in two consecutive events (Section 12.5.3.1b,c NASCAR rule book). The team will receive the last choice in the pit selection process for this weekend’s event at Pocono Raceway. (NASCAR)(6-3-2015)
  • Bayne called to NASCAR hauler after race UPDATES: NASCAR met with #6-Trevor Bayne after Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway because he exited his car before safety crews arrived – the second time a driver violated the rule this weekend. Jennifer Jo Cobb met with Camping World Truck Series officials Friday after taking 12 steps on to the racing surface to gesture toward Tyler Reddick after an accident. Penalties are expected this week. Bayne was involved in an accident with Michael Annett and Justin Allgaier on Sunday that brought out the caution on Lap 176. Bayne exited his car before he was cleared by any safety crew members. “Our on-track incidents, we’ve been very clear on what we expect,” said Richard Buck, Cup series director said. Buck said that officials will continue their conversation with Bayne this week.(NBC Sports)(6-1-2015)
    UPDATE: NASCAR officials have already had post-race conversations with drivers Trevor Bayne and Jennifer Jo Cobb. On Tuesday, the sanctioning body likely will react in a more stern fashion. Bayne and Cobb exited their cars prior to the arrival of safety workers during separate races this past weekend at Dover International Speedway, a move forbidden by the sanctioning body except under extenuating emergency conditions. The rule was enacted following the death of 20-year-old Kevin Ward in August of last year during a non-NASCAR sanctioned race in New York. Ward left his car and approached three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and was struck by Stewart’s car. “Certainly what you saw with Trevor and with Jennifer Jo — both drivers were called to the hauler and we’ll look at both of those incidents, like we always do, Tuesday, but for us it’s a safety issue,” Steve O’Donnell, executive vice president and chief racing development officer for NASCAR, told NASCAR.com on Monday. “We want to keep the race track as safe as possible for the competitors. You’ll likely see us react to that a little bit more on Tuesday.” Such incidents are considered behavioral infractions, and NASCAR officials address each situation individually. Among the penalties NASCAR may employ, if warranted, are probation, fines, suspension of the annual hard card or loss of points. The requirement to remain in one’s vehicle until emergency workers arrive following an accident is reiterated during each driver’s meeting prior to an event, O’Donnell said.(NASCAR.com)(6-1-2015)
    UPDATE 2: Trevor Bayne, driver of the #6 car, has received a penalty for his actions during the May 31 race (Sections 12.1, 12.8 b and 10.4.2.1 in the 2015 NASCAR rule book). Bayne has been fined $20,000 and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.(NASCAR)(6-3-2015)
  • Teams penalized after Charlotte UPDATE: Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams have been penalized following last week’s event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The #1 team has been penalized for an infraction occurring during pre-qualifying inspection May 21. The right rear quarter panel wheel opening was modified after qualifying inspection. The infraction is a P2 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing.
    20.4.b: Body; All approved OEM-manufactured body components must be used as supplied except as required to stiffen, or to attach to other vehicle components. Tolerances from CAD surfaces and template tolerances are provided to allow for manufacturing, fabrication, and installation variability. Approved Parts: GM R: NSCS 0786. Part Name: Quarter Panel RS, Effective date Aug. 1, 2012.
    20.4.2: Surface Conformance (a). Coordinate measuring machines, scanning equipment, and templates, among other tools, will be used to inspect body surfaces for conformance to the approved OEM and NASCAR CAD files.
    As a result of this violation, crew chief Matt McCall has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.
    Additionally, two teams — the #48 and #51 — have been assessed P1 level penalties for receiving written warnings in two consecutive events, both at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The #48 team received a warning from the May 16 event and also received one from pre-qualifying inspection from last week’s event. In addition to receiving a warning from the May 16 event, the #51 team also received one from pre-race inspection from last week’s event. Per Section 12.5.3.1 of the NASCAR rule book:
    Warnings and P1 penalty options: b. Multiple warnings issued to the same member or team will result in one or more P1 penalties; c. If the same team receives two warnings during the same event or two warnings during two consecutive events, whether the events are championship or non-championship, then this may result in one or more … P1 penalties at NASCAR’s discretion.
    As a result of these infractions the #48 and #51 teams will receive the last two choices in the pit selection process, respective to qualifying results, for this weekend’s event at Dover International Speedway.(NASCAR)(5-27-2015)
    UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsport has appealed their P1 penalty to the #48 team. The pit stall penalty will be deferred until the appeal is heard.(5-28-2015)
  • Penalties against Newman’s team upheld: Today the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer, Mr. Bryan Moss, heard and considered the appeal of a P5 penalty issued on March 31, 2015 to Richard Childress (owner), Ryan Newman (driver), Lucas Lambert (crew chief), James Bender (tire technician) and Philip Surgen (race engineer) relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #31 at Auto Club Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
    20.16: Wheels and tires
    A. Any device, modification, or procedure to the tire or wheel, including the valve stem hardware, that is used to release pressure, beyond normal pressure adjustments, from the tire and/or inner shield, will not be permitted.
    20.16.2: Tires
    F. Modifications to the tires, by treatment or any other means, will not be permitted.
    12.5.3.5.2: Minimum P5 Penalty Options (includes all four points below):
    A. Loss of 50 championship driver and owner points, regardless of whether the violation occurred during a Championship race or not
    B. $75,000-$125,000 fine
    C. Suspension for the next six series Championship Races, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period, for the crew chief and any other team members as determined by NASCAR
    D. Probation through the end of the calendar year for all suspended members, or for a six-month period following the issuance of the penalty notice if that period spans across two consecutive seasons
    12.5.3.5.3: P5 Level infractions detected during post-race inspection:
    If the infraction is detected during post-race inspection, then the following penalty elements will be added to those listed previously in this section:
    A. Loss of an additional 25 Championship driver and owner points; regardless of whether it was a Championship Race or not
    B. Loss of an additional $50,000
    The original penalty assessed included a $125,000 ($75,000 plus $50,000) fine, six-race suspension and probation through Dec. 31 to Lambert; six-race suspension and probation through Dec. 31 to both Bender and Surgen; and the loss of 75 (50 plus 25) championship car owner and 75 (50 plus 25) championship driver points to both Childress and Newman.
    On April 16, a three-person National Motorsports Appeals Panel heard the appeal and made the following decisions:
    1. The Appellants violated the Rule or Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice and it is a P5 level violation.
    2. The Panel amends the original Penalty levied by NASCAR because there is no written explanation of what constitutes a post-race inspection. Therefore the Penalty elements added under Section 12.5.3.5.3. are removed and the Penalty adjusted to:
    -Loss of 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Car Owner points for Richard Childress.
    -Loss of 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Driver points for Ryan Newman.
    -$75,000 fine. Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period. Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for crew chief Lucas Lambert.
    – Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period. Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for Tire Technician James Bender.
    -Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period. Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for Race Engineer Philip Surgen.
    Upon hearing today’s testimony, Bryan Moss, the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer, made the following decisions:
    · Based on a preponderance of evidence, the Appellants violated the Rules.
    · Based on a preponderance of evidence, the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer upholds the penalty as amended by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.
    The decision of the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer is final and binding on all parties.    (NASCAR)(5-6-2015)
  • RCR to make final appeal on #31 penalty: Richard Childress Racing will make one final appeal of NASCAR penalties issued to Ryan Newman’s team for tampering with tires in the Sprint Cup Series race March 22 at Auto Club Speedway. A three-member NASCAR-appointed appeals board reduced the points penalty and fine Thursday but left the six-race suspensions to crew chief Luke Lambert, engineer Philip Surgen and tire specialist James Bender. NASCAR announced Friday night that RCR had appealed that decision to NASCAR’s final appeals officer, former Gulfstream executive Bryan Moss. Moss has not set a date to hear the case and has deferred the suspensions, allowing Lambert, Surgen and Bender to return to the racetrack Saturday after missing Friday practice and qualifying at Bristol Motor Speedway. The appeal doesn’t come without some risk to RCR since Moss could reinstate the original penalties. The procedure for a final appeal is much like the initial appeal except Moss has access to all materials and a transcript of the first hearing. The burden of proof also switches from NASCAR to the team to prove that it either did not commit the act or that the penalty is too severe.(ESPN.com)(4-18-2015)
  • #31 team appeal to be heard April 16 UPDATE 2: David Higdon, Vice President, Integrated Marketing Communications for NASCAR tweeted Tuesday afternoon that the “National Motorsports Appeals Panel will hear RCR appeal of #31 team P5 penalty on April 16. Fine, suspensions deferred until then.”(4-7-2015)
    UPDATE: Statement from Richard Childress, “Our appeal is scheduled for Thursday, April 16. We feel confident we have a very compelling case to present to the appeals panel. We strongly believe in the intent of the rules and the integrity of our own teams while following those same rules. Out of respect for the appeal process, we will have no further comments until after the hearing.”(RCR)(4-9/16-2015)
    #31 RCR Team Appeal heard, points & fine penalties reduced: National Motorsports Appeals Panel Statement: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of a P5 penalty issued on March 31, 2015 to Richard Childress (owner), Ryan Newman (driver), Lucas Lambert (crew chief), James Bender (tire technician) and Philip Surgen (race engineer) relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #31 at Auto Club Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
    20.16: Wheels and tires
    A. Any device, modification, or procedure to the tire or wheel, including the valve stem hardware, that is used to release pressure, beyond normal pressure adjustments, from the tire and/or inner shield, will not be permitted.
    20.16.2: Tires
    F. Modifications to the tires, by treatment or any other means, will not be permitted.
    12.5.3.5.2: Minimum P5 Penalty Options (includes all four points below):
    A. Loss of 50 championship driver and owner points, regardless of whether the violation occurred during a Championship race or not
    B. $75,000-$125,000 fine
    C. Suspension for the next six series Championship Races, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period, for the crew chief and any other team members as determined by NASCAR
    D. Probation through the end of the calendar year for all suspended members, or for a six-month period following the issuance of the penalty notice if that period spans across two consecutive seasons
    12.5.3.5.3: P5 Level infractions detected during post-race inspection:
    If the infraction is detected during post-race inspection, then the following penalty elements will be added to those listed previously in this section:
    A. Loss of an additional 25 Championship driver and owner points; regardless of whether it was a Championship Race or not
    B. Loss of an additional $50,000
    The original penalty assessed included a $125,000 ($75,000 plus $50,000) fine, six-race suspension and probation through Dec. 31 to Lambert; six-race suspension and probation through Dec. 31 to both Bender and Surgen; and the loss of 75 (50 plus 25) championship car owner and 75 (50 plus 25) championship driver points to both Childress and Newman.
    Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
    1. The Appellants violated the Rule or Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice and it is a P5 level violation.
    2. The Panel amends the original Penalty levied by NASCAR because there is no written explanation of what constitutes a post-race inspection. Therefore the Penalty elements added under Section 12.5.3.5.3. are removed and the Penalty adjusted to:
    -Loss of 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Car Owner points for Richard Childress.
    -Loss of 50 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Driver points for Ryan Newman.
    -$75,000 fine. Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period. Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for crew chief Lucas Lambert.
    – Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period. Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for Tire Technician James Bender.
    -Suspended for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Races, plus any non-Championship Races or Special Events which might occur during that time period. Placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 for Race Engineer Philip Surgen.
    The panel consisted of the following three individuals:
    Mr. John Capels, Mr. Hunter Nickell, Mr. Dale Pinilis.
    The Appellants have the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR rule book.(NASCAR)(4-16-2015)
  • Appeals panel reduces penalty for #33 team: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of a P4 penalty issued on March 25, 2015 to Joseph Falk (owner) and Richard Labbe (crew chief), relative to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series vehicle #33 at Auto Club Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
    20.14.2: Rear Suspension: Truck Trailing Arm
    E. The left and right side truck trailing arms must be mounted to the truck trailing arm mounting brackets using a one-piece, minimum ¾ inch diameter magnetic steel bolt.
    F. The horizontal centerline of the highest truck trailing arm mounting bolt must not be higher than the top surface of the truck trailing arm crossmember, at the respective truck trailing arm mounting bracket, when the vehicle is at inspection orientation.
    INFRACTION: The ¾ inch diameter magnetic steel truck trailing arm mounting bolt was not installed horizontally.
    J.Truck trailing arm must conform to the following drawing as specified in the NASCAR rule book: Rear Suspension-Truck Trailing Arm: A-008-00183-14 Rev.C
    INFRACTION: Truck trailing arm monoball sleeve does not meet the drawing specifications. Sleeve is required to be minimum .125 inch minimum thick x two inches wide sleeve machined for press fit of .750 I.D. or .875 I.D. monoball assembly.
    20.3.3.2.1: Truck Trailing Arm Crossmember Assembly:Truck Trailing Arm Mounting Brackets
    B. Truck trailing arm mounting brackets must be constructed of magnetic steel flat plate with a minimum thickness of 0.169 inch.
    INFRACTION: Truck trailing arm mounting bracket adapter was machined from Aluminum solid.
    20.20: Assembled Vehicle Overall Rules
    A. Except in cases explicitly permitted in the NASCAR rules, installation of additional components and/or modifications of existing components to affect the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle will not be permitted, including but not limited to, safety systems, chassis and roll cage, suspension, steering systems, brake systems, heat shields, body fillers, body sealers, filler panels, drivetrain components and exhaust components.
    The original penalty assessed included a $50,000 fine, three-race suspension and probation through Dec. 31 to Labbe and the loss of 25 championship car owner points to Falk. The Appellants (Joseph Falk and Richard Labbe) appealed both penalties. Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
    · The Appellants violated one of the rules set forth in the penalty notice, specifically with regards to the aluminum component, but that the other infractions are subject to interpretation.
    · The panel amends the original penalty levied by NASCAR to a P2 penalty as follows:
    o Loss of 10 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship car owner points for Joseph Falk
    o $20,000 fine, three-race suspension (two of which have already been served) plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period, and probation through Dec. 31 for crew chief Richard Labbe.
    The panel consisted of the following three individuals: Mr. Russell Hackett, Mr. Lake Speed, Mr. John White.
    (NASCAR)(4-14-2015)
  • Circle Sport to appeal penalties: Circle Sport will appeal the penalty and fines levied on the #33 Sprint Cup team by NASCAR on March 25th. Team owner Joe Falk told Motorsport.com he felt “the penalty was too severe”. The P4 infraction stemmed from an illegal rear truck trailing arm and assembly kit which was mounted incorrectly according to the NASCAR rule book. The suspension piece was discovered during pre-practice inspection at Auto Club Speedway. Falk said modifications made to the rule book following the incident at Auto Club 400 would have changed the spirit of the rule. NASCAR released the new rules regarding the rear suspension along with drawings of the revisions on March 24. But at the time of the #33 Circle Sport Chevy’s inspection on the previous Friday, the rules were not in place.
    The penalties included a three-race suspension for crew chief Richard “Slugger” Labbe and a $50,000 fine. Labbe is on probation until the end of the year. Car owner Joe Falk was docked 25 championship car owner points. Falk didn’t believe the punishment fit the crime, particularly the 25 points. Falk conceded that “25 is like taking two races from us” considering that the #33 car’s average finish this season is 28th. “We really think that we’re in the right – we’re not 100% right – but we’re not as wrong as they’re saying,” Falk added. Falk expects the hearing to be held after next weekend’s races at Texas Motor Speedway. Alex Kennedy will pilot the #33 Chevy with veteran crew chief Pat Tryson calling the shots.(Motorsport). Tryson had been the crew chief for the #30 TMG team, but that team is running a part-time schedule with driver Ron Hornaday. The team skipped the three west coast races in March, but attempted Martinsville last week, failing to qualify. No word if the team plans to attempt Texas.(4-3-2015)
  • #31 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Team Penalized For Rules Violations UPDATE RCR appeals: The #31 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been penalized for rules infractions discovered as a result of NASCAR’s post-event tire audit conducted following the March 22 race at Auto Club Speedway. These infractions amount to a P5 level penalty and violate the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
    20.16: Wheels and tires
    A. Any device, modification, or procedure to the tire or wheel, including the valve stem hardware, that is used to release pressure, beyond normal pressure adjustments, from the tire and/or inner shield, will not be permitted.
    20.16.2: Tires
    F. Modifications to the tires, by treatment or any other means, will not be permitted.
    Section 12.5.3.5.1 lists P5 Penalty Violation examples that could include but are not limited to:
    A. Effecting, modifying and/or altering the standard tires in any way, other than through authorized means such as tire pressure adjustments within the recommended range, permitted tire cooling when mounted on the race vehicle; or heat-cycling on the race vehicle on the race track earlier in the event.
    12.5.3.5.2: Minimum P5 Penalty Options (includes all four points below):
    A. Loss of 50 championship driver and owner points, regardless of whether the violation occurred during a Championship race or not
    B. $75,000-$125,000 fine
    C. Suspension for the next six series Championship Races, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period, for the crew chief and any other team members as determined by NASCAR
    D. Probation through the end of the calendar year for all suspended members, or for a six-month period following the issuance of the penalty notice if that period spans across two consecutive seasons
    12.5.3.5.3: P5 Level infractions detected during post-race inspection:
    If the infraction is detected during post-race inspection, then the following penalty elements will be added to those listed previously in this section:
    A. Loss of an additional 25 Championship driver and owner points; regardless of whether it was a Championship Race or not
    B. Loss of an additional $50,000
    As a result of these violations, crew chief Luke Lambert has been fined a total of $125,000 ($75,000 plus $50,000), suspended from the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship races, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period, and been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. James Bender, team tire technician, and Philip Surgen, team engineer, have been suspended from the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship races, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period, and been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.
    Driver Ryan Newman and car owner Richard Childress each have been penalized with the loss of 75 (50 plus 25) championship driver and championship car owner points.
    “NASCAR takes very seriously its responsibility to govern and regulate the rules of the sport in order to ensure competitive balance,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. “We’ve been very clear that any modifications to race vehicle tires is an unacceptable practice and will not be tolerated.”(NASCAR)
    See the Revised Sprint Cup Series Points page after #31 Penalty(pdf).(3-31-2015)
    UPDATE – RCR appeals #31 penalties: Richard Childress Racing has appealed the penalties NASCAR levied against Ryan Newman’s #31 team for allegedly manipulating tires. NASCAR this week said tires taken from Newman after the March 22 race in California failed an independent inspection and had been altered to intentionally release air pressure during the race. No date for the appeal was set Thursday.(Associated Press)
    AND: RCR requested deferral of penalties w/appeal. NASCAR granted for suspension & fines, but not for points. If they prevail, points reinstated.(Tweet from David Higdon, VP Integrated Marketing Communications of NASCAR)(4-2-2015)
  • Statement from Torrey Galida, President of Richard Childress Racing, regarding tire penalties: “We understand the seriousness of the penalty. In fact, RCR has been one of the most outspoken opponents against ‘tire bleeding’ since the rumors began to surface last season. Once NASCAR provides us with the specific details of the infraction we will conduct a further internal investigation, and evaluate our options for an appeal.”(RCR)(3-31-2015)
  • Part taken from #33 team by NASCAR UPDATE: on Friday at Auto Club Speedway, NASCAR confiscated a truck arm (rear suspension part) from the #33 Chevy driven by Brian Scott and owned by Joe Falk. The sanctioning body will take the part to its research-and-development center in Concord, North Carolina, for further evaluation.(NASCAR Wire Service)(3-22-2015)
    UPDATE: The #33 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been penalized for a rules infraction discovered during opening day inspection March 20 at Auto Club Speedway. This infraction is a P4 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
    20.14.2: Rear Suspension: Truck Trailing Arm
    E. The left and right side truck trailing arms must be mounted to the truck trailing arm mounting brackets using a one-piece, minimum ¾ inch diameter magnetic steel bolt.
    F. The horizontal centerline of the highest truck trailing arm mounting bolt must not be higher than the top surface of the truck trailing arm crossmember, at the respective truck trailing arm mounting bracket, when the vehicle is at inspection orientation.
    INFRACTION: The ¾ inch diameter magnetic steel truck trailing arm mounting bolt was not installed horizontally.
    J. Truck trailing arm must conform to the following drawing as specified in the NASCAR rule book: Rear Suspension-Truck Trailing Arm: A-008-00183-14 Rev.C
    INFRACTION: Truck trailing arm monoball sleeve does not meet the drawing specifications. Sleeve is required to be minimum .125 inch minimum thick x two inches wide sleeve machined for press fit of .750 I.D. or .875 I.D. monoball assembly.
    20.3.3.2.1: Truck Trailing Arm Crossmember Assembly:Truck Trailing Arm Mounting Brackets
    B. Truck trailing arm mounting brackets must be constructed of magnetic steel flat plate with a minimum thickness of 0.169 inch.
    INFRACTION: Truck trailing arm mounting bracket adapter was machined from Aluminum solid.
    20.20: Assembled Vehicle Overall Rules
    A. Except in cases explicitly permitted in the NASCAR rules, installation of additional components and/or modifications of existing components to affect the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle will not be permitted, including but not limited to, safety systems, chassis and roll cage, suspension, steering systems, brake systems, heat shields, body fillers, body sealers, filler panels, drivetrain components and exhaust components
    The options for a P4 penalty are outlined in the following sections of the NASCAR rule book:
    12.5.3.4: P4 Penalty Options:
    A. Violations leading to P4 penalties, in general, are very serious. They include, but are not limited to, a broad range of infractions such as:
    B. Parts which do not meet specifications
    F. Measurement failures of significance
    G. These often involve primary component or system infractions not otherwise to the magnitude of P5 infractions, but could also include secondary component or system infractions, particularly if of a nature suggesting some of the characteristics described in P5 … and/or involving safety implications.
    12.5.3.4.2: Minimum P4 Penalty Options (includes all three points below):
    A. Loss of 25 championship driver and owner points, regardless of whether the violation occurred during a Championship race or not.
    B. $40,000-$75,000 fine
    C. Suspension for the next three series Championship Races, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period, for the crew chief, plus probation through the end of the calendar year, or probation for a six month period following the issuance of the penalty notice if that period spans across two consecutive seasons.
    As a result of this violation, crew chief Slugger Labbe has been fined $50,000 and suspended for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship races, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that time period. Labbe has also been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. In addition, car owner Joe Falk has been docked 25 championship car owner points.(NASCAR)(3-25-2015)
  • Update on pit road officiating: Officials in NASCAR’s Pit Road Officiating (PRO) trailer called 12 of the 22 penalties issued during Sunday’s Auto Club 400, the second fewest through this year’s first five races. Six of the 12 were for tire violations — failure to control an outside tire. Only Phoenix saw fewer total violations (19) and those made by officials in the PRO trailer (nine). There have been 158 penalties thus far this season, including 60 that were called by the PRO group. Officials in the tower continue to call infractions for speeding when entering/exiting pit road, pitting before pit road is open and various safety-related violations. Officials in the PRO trailer use video to respond to potential infractions such as too many crewmen in contact with the pit service area, crewmen over the wall too soon and pit box tire violations.(NASCAR.com)(3-25-2015)
  • NASCAR Lifts Kurt Busch’s Suspension; will be Chase-eligible: NASCAR announced that, effectively immediately, the indefinite suspension of Kurt Busch has been lifted. He is eligible to return to NASCAR racing under indefinite probation subject to additional mandatory requirements that include but are not limited to participation in a treatment program and full compliance with any judicial requirements placed upon him. On Feb. 20, Kurt Busch, driver of the #41 car, was found to be in violation of:
    • Section 12.1.a: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
    • Section 12.8: Behavioral Penalty
    The decision to lift the suspension was made by NASCAR after Kurt Busch:
    • Complied with all requirements in its reinstatement program;
    • Completed the mandatory behavioral assessment sessions; and
    • The behavioral health care expert who conducted the sessions recommended to NASCAR that Kurt Busch be allowed to return to competition.
    Kurt Busch now will undergo additional steps to address the behavior for which he was penalized.
    The requirement that a driver must compete in all Championship Events of the current season to be eligible for The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup has been waived for the period of Kurt Busch’s suspension. Assuming he returns to NASCAR Sprint Cup competition, Kurt Busch would have zero Championship points to date after missing the Daytona 500 and the two most recent NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
    “As we stated last week, the elimination of the possibility of criminal charges removed a significant impediment to Kurt Busch’s return to full status as a NASCAR member,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. “We therefore have decided to move him to indefinite probation and waive the Chase requirement. He has fully complied with our reinstatement program during his suspension and the health care expert who conducted his evaluation recommended his immediate return. “We have made it very clear to Kurt Busch our expectations for him moving forward, which includes participation in a treatment program and full compliance with all judicial requirements as a result of his off-track behavior.”(NASCAR)(3-11-2015)
  • Allgaier and Keselowski penalized after Las Vegas: The #51 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been penalized for a rules infraction discovered during post-race inspection March 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This infraction is a P3 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
    20.3.5: Added ballast containers:
    a. Any and all ballast added to the vehicle must be bolted inside an added ballast container, inside the main frame rails, and/or inside the front sway bar.
    b. Added ballast must be secured in a manner that will prevent movement of the ballast during an event.
    20.17.2.2: Overall vehicle weight after competition:
    b. After a vehicle has raced, only water in the radiator, oil in the engine reservoir tank, and fuel in the fuel cell may be added. Wheels and tires may not be changed, unless otherwise authorized by NASCAR Officials.
    c. After a vehicle has raced, the minimum overall vehicle weight of all vehicles must be within 0.5% of the minimum overall vehicle weight required at the start of the race.
    Ballast was observed falling off the #51 car during the race and the #51 car did not meet post-race minimum weight requirements. As a result of the violation, crew chief Steve Addington has been fined $25,000.
    AND The #2 team has been penalized for a rules infraction committed when it was discovered that the right and left rear quarter panel wheel openings were modified after qualifying inspection on March 6. This infraction is a P2 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
    20.4.b: Body – All approved OEM-manufactured body components must be used as supplied except as required to stiffen, or to attach to other vehicle components. Tolerances from CAD surfaces and template tolerances are provided to allow for manufacturing, fabrication, and installation variability;
    20.4.2: Surface Conformance – Coordinate measuring machines, scanning equipment, and templates, among other tools, will be used to inspect body surfaces for conformance to the approved OEM and NASCAR CAD files.
    As a result of this violation, crew chief Paul Wolfe has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.(NASCAR)(3-10-2015)
  • Kurt Busch will not be charged by the Delaware Attorney General’s office: Kurt Busch will not be charged by the Delaware Attorney General’s office. Attorney General Matt Denn’s office declined to file charges stemming from a complaint filed in November by the driver’s ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll. Thursday’s decision concludes a months-long investigation that has kept the NASCAR world guessing what would happen to the driver known as “The Outlaw.”
    “After a thorough consideration of all of the available information about the case, it is determined that the admissible evidence and available witnesses would likely be insufficient to meet the burden of establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Busch committed a crime during the Sept. 26 incident,” Delaware Attorney General spokesman Carl Kanefsky said in an email. “Likelihood of meeting that high burden of proof is the standard for prosecutors in bringing a case. For this reason, the Department of Justice will not pursue criminal charges in this case.”
    Driscoll, president of the Armed Forces Foundation and a defense contractor, alleges Busch grabbed her by the throat and slammed her head three times against the bedroom wall of his motor home during a race weekend in Dover. A Kent County Family Court commissioner ruled in favor of Driscoll last week and granted a protection order against the driver in a separate civil matter. NASCAR, acting off that civil decision, suspended the driver indefinitely, two days before the Daytona 500.
    The order, which expires in 2016, stipulates that Busch has to stay 100 yards away from Driscoll, her home and workplace. At NASCAR races he has to maintain the maximum “practicable” distance from her and not attempt to contact her. “We’re very disappointed that the Attorney General’s office chose not to prosecute, but it only makes the order for the (protection order) that much more important,” said Carolyn McNeice, Driscoll’s attorney. “I understand their position, but I am disappointed.”(Delaware News Journal)(3-5-2015)
    AND The decision by the Delaware Attorney General’s office, might not affect Busch in the interim because he’s under suspension by NASCAR. The sport indefinitely suspended the Stewart-Haas Racing driver before the Daytona 500 — a decision that was upheld on appeal — after a family court commissioner issued a detailed opinion Feb. 20 saying that Busch had committed an act of domestic violence against Driscoll. NASCAR hasn’t announced the guidelines for Busch’s reinstatement but is using a domestic violence expert to help determine Busch’s path. Busch has agreed to the NASCAR guidelines. The burden of proof is different in the criminal and civil cases that stem from this incident.(ESPN)(3-5-2015)
  • Kurt Busch agrees to NASCAR terms: Kurt Busch has agreed to the terms and conditions dictated by NASCAR that he must complete to get reinstated from his suspension. NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said Monday that Busch informed the sanctioning body late last week that he would go through the process. Higdon would not reveal details of the terms and conditions, saying that is between the driver and the “expert facilitator” of the program. He said there is no timetable for the Stewart-Haas Racing driver to complete the program. Busch was suspended indefinitely on Feb. 20, two days before the Daytona 500, after a Kent County (Del.) Family Court commissioner released his findings that Busch had committed an act of domestic violence Sept. 26 against his ex-girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll (ESPN), for full past news on the suspension and court case, go to #41 Team News and Links page.(3-2-2015)
  • #10 Team Issued a Written Warning For Rules Infraction at Daytona: The #10 team [Danica Patrick, Stewart Haas Racing] that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been issued a Written Warning for a rules infraction discovered during opening day inspection Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Written Warnings are outlined in Section 12.5.3.1 in the 2015 NASCAR rule book. This warning is for violation of Sections:
    12-1 – Actions detrimental to stock car racing
    20.11.2.2.2.1.b – Unapproved left-side driver heat shield; the outer exterior exhaust heat shield panel must follow the horizontal surface plane of the left side floorboard forward section to the bottom edge of the left side toe board.(NASCAR)(2-25-2015)
  • National Motorsports Final Appeal Hearing Statement regarding Kurt Busch: This evening, the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer, Mr. Bryan Moss, heard and considered the appeal of driver Kurt Busch. The penalty concerns Section 12.1.a: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12.8: Behavioral penalty.
    The penalty stems from activities last year involving Kurt Busch that resulted in a decision by the Family Court of the State of Delaware to issue an Order of Protection of Abuse against him. The penalty is an indefinite suspension. Earlier today, a three-person National Motorsports Appeals Panel upheld the original penalty assessed by NASCAR.
    Tonight [Saturday, February 21, 2015], Kurt Busch presented his position to the Final Appeals Officer. Representing NASCAR was Jim Cassidy, Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. The Appellate Administrator is NASCAR Vice President George Silbermann.
    Upon hearing tonight’s testimony, Bryan Moss, the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer, made the following decisions:
    · The appellant violated the Rules set forth in the penalty notice and the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel was correct;
    · The penalty was within the scope of the guidelines;
    · The National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer upholds the original penalty levied by NASCAR
    The decision of the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer is final and binding on all parties. Kurt Busch now has exhausted his appeal options under the NASCAR Rulebook, and the indefinite suspension remains in effect. He will not be allowed to race nor participate in any NASCAR activities until further notice.(NASCAR)(2-21-2015)
  • Kurt Busch’s appeal to be heard Saturday UPDATE 3 both appeals denied: #41-Kurt Busch’s attorney said he plans to “immediately” appeal NASCAR’s suspension of his client. NASCAR indefinitely suspended Busch on Friday after a Kent County (Del.) Family Court Commissioner concluded that “it is more likely than not” that Busch committed an act of domestic abuse against his ex-girlfriend, Patricia Driscoll, in September. NASCAR said that Busch could appeal the suspension and that it would “expedite” the process. A ruling on the appeal likely will come before Sunday’s Daytona 500. Busch’s appeal will be heard on Saturday by a three-member panel. He cannot have a lawyer argue the cause on his behalf, but can have other representatives with him during the hearing. Additionally, Busch can appeal the panel’s decision to Bryan Moss, Final Appeals Officer.(NBC Sports)
    UPDATE: Busch has appealed, and the hearing begins Saturday at noon at NASCAR headquarters (in Daytona). Regardless of the outcome, SHR plans to stick with Regan Smith for the Daytona 500.(Associated Press)(2-21-2015)
    UPDATE 2: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of driver Kurt Busch. The penalty concerns Section 12.1.a: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12.8: Behavioral penalty.
    The penalty stems from activities last year involving Kurt Busch that resulted in a decision by the Family Court of the State of Delaware to issue an Order of Protection of Abuse against him. The penalty is an indefinite suspension. The Appellant appealed both penalties. Upon hearing the testimony, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel decided that the Appellant violated the rules set forth in the penalty notice. The Panel therefore decided to uphold the original penalty assessed by NASCAR. The panel consisted of the following three individuals: Mr. Paul Brooks, Ms. Lyn St. James, Mr. Kevin Whitaker. Kurt Busch presented his position to the panel. Representing NASCAR was Jim Cassidy, Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. The Appellate Administrator is NASCAR Vice President George Silbermann. Kurt Busch has the right to appeal the decision to the Final Appeals Officer, Mr. Bryan Moss. Kurt Busch must inform NASCAR of his intent to do so within the guidelines provided to him. The Final Appeals Officer has indicated that he would hear the final appeal, if requested, this evening at the International Motorsports Center in Daytona Beach, Florida.(NASCAR)(2-21-2015)
    UPDATE 3: Busch has one last-ditch appeal available, NASCAR spokesman David Higdon said, and NASCAR Final Appeals Officer Bryan Moss will hear the Stewart-Haas Racing driver’s case Saturday night at 7:30pm/et.
    “We are very disappointed that our appeal was rejected by NASCAR’s appeal panel,” Busch attorney Rusty Hardin said in a statement. “We are re-appealing immediately, per the proscribed process. We have significant and strong evidence that contradicts the commissioner’s conclusions. In the end we are confident that Kurt will be vindicated and he will be back racing. Until then we will continue to fight on his behalf by ensuring that the entire truth is known.”
    The NASCAR appeals panel rarely overturns behavioral penalties because of NASCAR’s broad behavior rule: “NASCAR membership is a privilege. With that privilege comes certain benefits, responsibilities and obligations. Correct and proper conduct, both on and off the race track, is part of a Member’s responsibilities.”
    NASCAR has no specific penalty for behavioral infractions, which is different than its six-level scale it uses to determine penalties for technical violations. “Behavioral infractions differ from technical infractions in that each is handled on a case-by-case basis, viewed in context, with an understanding of the prominence of the sport, the large fan following that the sport has garnered, the large corporate and sponsor support that the sport attracts, and also with an understanding of the passions that the sport can evoke, as well as, the competitive nature of most NASCAR members,” the rule book states.
    The final appeal is different than the initial one because now Busch has the burden proof rather than NASCAR. Busch must show that he did not violate a rule, that the penalty is not within the scope of NASCAR guidelines and/or he was denied his rights during the initial appeal. Moss, the former president of Gulfstream, can ask questions and call any witnesses he wants.
    NASCAR Chairman Brian France also can step in at any time and lift the suspension.(ESPN)
    2nd Appeal Denied: Kurt Busch lost a second appeal of his NASCAR suspension Saturday night, leaving his immediate NASCAR future in doubt. Busch lost an appeal to a three-member panel Saturday afternoon, but appealed that decision to NASCAR’s Final Appeals Officer. The second appeal also was denied and the suspension upheld Saturday night. Busch likely would now have to get a court order to block the suspension and allow him to continue racing. “We are unhappy with the latest decision to deny our re-appeal, but we will continue to exhaust every procedural and legal remedy we have available to us until Kurt Busch is vindicated,” Busch attorney Rusty Hardin said in a statement late Saturday night. “Along the way we intend to continue to call attention to the facts and witnesses that will shed light on Ms. Driscoll’s true character, motivations and history.”(Sporting News)(2-21-2015)
  • Kurt Busch Suspended Indefinitely by NASCAR UPDATE2 Smith to Drive: #41-Kurt Busch has been suspended indefinitely, according to ESPN’s Marty Smith and multiple reports. Earlier Friday it was ruled that Busch smashed his ex-girlfriend Patricia Driscoll’s head against his motor home wall Sept. 26 at Dover International Speedway, according to the conclusions of a Kent County (Del.) family court commissioner who granted Driscoll’s request for a protective order Monday. Busch was scheduled to race Sunday at Daytona International Speedway, where he was slated to start 24th in the Daytona 500, the sport’s biggest event.(ESPN)
    see more about the findings at ESPN: Court: Kurt Busch smashed ex’s head and Delaware News Journal: Busch likely committed an act of abuse, judge says.
    Sources report XFINITY Series driver Regan Smith is expected to replace Busch in SHR’s #41 Chevy in the Daytona 500.
    NASCAR Indefinitely Suspends Driver Kurt Busch: NASCAR has indefinitely suspended driver Kurt Busch for actions detrimental to stock car racing following the release today of a supplemental disposition setting forth the findings and conclusions that formed the basis for the Family Court of the State of Delaware’s decision on Monday to issue an Order of Protection from Abuse against him. Busch, driver of the #41 car, was found to be in violation of:
    · Section 12.1.a: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
    · Section 12.8: Behavioral Penalty
    “Given the serious nature of the findings and conclusions made by the Commissioner of the Family Court of the State of Delaware, NASCAR has indefinitely suspended driver Kurt Busch, effective immediately. He will not be allowed to race nor participate in any NASCAR activities until further notice. Kurt Busch and his Stewart-Haas Racing team are fully aware of our position and why this decision was made. We will continue to respect the process and timetable of the authorities involved.”(NASCAR)
    Statement from Jim Campbell, Chevrolet vice president of Motorsports and Performance Vehicles: “Chevrolet has suspended its relationship with Kurt Busch indefinitely. We will continue to monitor the events surrounding Mr. Busch and are prepared to take additional action if necessary.”(Team Chevy)
    Statement from Stewart-Haas Racing Regarding Kurt Busch The following is a statement from Stewart-Haas Racing executive vice president Joe Custer regarding Kurt Busch. “We understand NASCAR’s position regarding Kurt Busch and accept their decision. We are in the midst of finalizing our plans for the Daytona 500 and we will announce those details as soon as we’re ready.”(SHR)
    UPDATE: Busch’s attorney Rusty Hardin said the suspension will be appealed. “We are extremely disappointed that NASCAR has suspended Kurt Busch and we plan an immediate appeal,” Hardin said in a statement. “We assure everyone, including NASCAR, that this action against Mr. Busch will turn out to be a travesty of justice, apparent to all, as this story continues to unfold.” An expedited appeal could occur before the race Sunday. Hardin, who cannot represent Busch in the NASCAR appeal because the appeal process does not allow for lawyers to represent NASCAR members, reiterated his hope that the family court commissioner reconsiders his opinion based on additional evidence that would show Driscoll is not credible.(ESPN)
    UPDATE2: Stewart-Haas Racing has named Regan Smith interim driver of its #41 Haas Automation Chevy for the Daytona 500. Smith has some history with Stewart-Haas Racing, as he subbed for Tony Stewart in the team’s #14 car last August at Watkins Glen. Smith was the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year and won the 2011 Southern 500 at Darlington. He is a fulltime driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and finished second in the 2014 championship standings. Smith, 31, is from Cato, New York. An interim driver for the #41 team at next weekend’s Sprint Cup race at Atlanta and subsequent races has not been determined.(SHR)
    See all the past news about the case and updates on the #41 Team News and Links page.(2-20-2015)
  • Fewer penalties issued in 2014: Teams brawled. Stars erupted. Tension grew. The overhaul of the Chase for the Sprint Cup was the most impactful of many changes in NASCAR last season, and the ripple effects were pervasive, particularly during the final 10-race playoff that featured eliminations, points resets and the debut of a winner-take-all finale between four finalists. Yet there was another fundamental shift in Sprint Cup philosophy that was as notable for its lack of discernible presence. For the first time in its 66-year history, the NASCAR rule book delineated predetermined penalties. A six-tier system – with a “P6” being the most draconian punishment – was introduced amidst predictions that crew chief suspensions, points deductions and whopping fines could become prevalent. The result? There were 81 penalties in Sprint Cup – the lowest number in a season for a series that averaged 205 penalties a year since detailed record-keeping began in 2000. Only one penalty resulted in a major crew chief suspension – a six-race benching for Darian Grubb after Denny Hamlin’s #11 Toyota failed inspection after the Brickyard 400. That penalty wasn’t appealed, which wasn’t uncommon last season after several years of constant challenges. There was only one appeal across its national series in 2014 after an average of 12 appeals annually since 2000. That led to an absence of the oft-chaotic scenes surrounding appeals hearings at the R&D Center in Concord, N.C., where news media stakeouts to cover large infractions were common. (Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing won noteworthy appeals in 2013.) NASCAR officials credited the concrete penalty structure with helping reduce such contentious encounters.(USA Today)(2-8-2015)
  • NASCAR Reinstates Crew Member: NASCAR has reinstated Kelly Johnson, a crew member in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, upon his successful completion of NASCAR’s Substance Abuse Policy Road to Recovery Program. On Nov. 18, 2014, Johnson 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 NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(1-28-2015)

 

XFINITY Series Penalties

 

  • Charlotte Penalty UPDATES: NASCAR member Chicago Paskiecz has been penalized for infractions that occurred during last weekend’s events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This is a behavioral penalty (Sections 12.1 and 12.8 of the NASCAR rule book) and Paskiecz has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.(NASCAR)(10-14-2015)
    UPDATE: Paskiecz has appealed the suspension and supposedly the appeal is scheduled for November 4, 2015.(10-22-2015)
    UPDATE 2: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of a Behavioral Penalty issued on Oct. 14 to NASCAR member Chicago Paskiecz following events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR Rule Book: Sections 12.1 and 12.8. The original penalty assessed included indefinite suspension from NASCAR. Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
    1. That the Appellant violated the Rule or Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice.
    2. That the Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalty levied by NASCAR.
    The panel consisted of the following three individuals: Mr. Lee Baumgarten, Mr. Ken Clapp, and Mr. Steve Lewis.
    The Appellant has the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(11-12-2015)
    UPDATE 3: Bob Pockrass tweeted Monday night that NASCAR final appeal officer Bryan Moss has denied XFINITY crewman Chicago Paskiewcz’s appeal.(12-15-2015)
  • Crew member reinstated: NASCAR has reinstated Brian R. Allen, a crew member in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. On September 30, 2015, Allen was found to have violated Sections 7.5 (Violation of the NASCAR Code of Conduct) and 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(10-28-2015)
  • Busch’s car too low after Chicago race UPDATE 2: #54-Kyle Busch’s winning car in Saturday’s Furious 7 300 Xfinity Series race was found to be too low in post-race inspection. A NASCAR official said the car was low in all four corners. The car was taken back to the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., for further inspection. There is the possibility there could be penalties assessed this coming week, unless further inspection finds something broke in Busch’s car, the official added.(NBC Sports)(9-19-2015)
    UPDATE: Kyle Busch’s winning Xfinity car, found to be too low in all four corners after Saturday’s race, had a broken part, according to NASCAR. Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer, made the comment Monday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “The Morning Drive.” Asked if Busch’s car failing inspection could lead to penalties this week, O’Donnell said: “There was a broken part on the race car, so that’s something that we’ll look at as we take the car back to the R&D Center and evaluate where we go from postrace. That process is still ongoing and we’ll announce something Tuesday if there’s anything to it.”(NBC Sports)(9-21-2015)
    UPDATE 2: The #18 team has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during pre-race on Sept. 19. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1 and 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book). The right side vertical extension panel (side skirt) was modified after pre-race inspection. Crew chief Eric P. Phillips has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015. Crew member John P. Egbert Jr. has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015.
    The #54 car failed heights during post-race inspection on Sept. 19. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1, 20.17.3.2.1. b & c, 20.17.3.2.2.b & c, 12.5.3.2.1.f, 12.5.3.2.2.a.b & d of the NASCAR rule book). Crew chief Christopher W. Gayle has been fined $12,500 and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015. Car owner J. D. Gibbs has been penalized 10 series championship owner points.(NASCAR)(9-23-2015)
    UPDATE 3: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of a P2 penalty issued on Sept. 23 to J.D. Gibbs (owner) and Chris Gayle (crew chief) relative to NASCAR XFINITY Series vehicle #54 at Chicagoland Speedway. The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR Rule Book: Sections 12.1; 20.17.3.2.1.b&c; 20.17.3.2.2.b&c; 12.5.3.2.1.f; 12.5.3.2.2.a.b&d. The original penalty assessed included a $12,500 fine and NASCAR probation through Dec. 31 to Gayle and loss of 10 series championship car owner points to Gibbs. Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
    1. That the Appellants violated the Rule or Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice as a P2 Penalty.
    2. That due to part failure, the Panel amends the Penalty to:
    a. Loss of 10 NASCAR XFINITY Series Championship car owner points for car owner J.D. Gibbs
    b. $8,500 fine for crew chief Chris Gayle
    The panel consisted of the following three individuals: Ms. Cathy Rice, Mr. Lake Speed, Mr. Kevin Whitaker.
    The Appellants have the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(10-14-2015)
  • Charlotte Penalty: NASCAR member Chicago Paskiecz has been penalized for infractions that occurred during last weekend’s events at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This is a behavioral penalty (Sections 12.1 and 12.8 of the NASCAR rule book) and Paskiecz has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.(NASCAR)(10-14-2015)
  • Kentucky Penalties: NASCAR members Brian Allen [#2-Brian Scott’s bus driver], Whitney Scott [wife Scott] and #6-Darrell Wallace Jr. have been penalized for infractions that occurred during post race on Sept. 26. These are behavioral penalties (Sections 12.1 and 7.5 of the NASCAR rule book). Allen has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR. Both Scott and Wallace Jr. have been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31, 2015.(NASCAR)(9-30-2015)
  • Dover penalties announced:
    The #97 team has been penalized for an infraction occurring during practice on May 29. It is a P3 level penalty (Sections 12.1 and 20.17.2.1b NASCAR rule book). Crew chief John Monsam has been fined $15,000, suspended from the next championship points race, and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Car chief David Jones has been suspended from the next championship points race and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Driver Peyton Sellers and owner Victor Obaika lose 15 series championship driver and owner points, respectively.
    The #33 car failed post-race inspection on May 30. This is a P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1 and 20.17.3.2.2b NASCAR rule book). Crew chief Nick Harrison has been fined $7,500 and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Car owner Richard Childress loses 10 series championship owner points.(NASCAR)(6-3-2015)
  • Penalty for 4 team UPDATE: The #4 team that competes in the NASCAR XFINITY Series has been penalized for a rules infraction committed during a May 16 practice at Iowa Speedway. The infraction is a P3 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
    20.17.2.1: Overall vehicle weight
    B. Any and all ballast added to the vehicle must be bolted inside an added ballast container, inside the main frame rails, and/or inside the front sway bar mounting tube. Weight affixed improperly.
    As a result of this violation, crew chief Gary Cogswell has been fined $15,000 and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Additionally, car chief Charles Kent has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.(NASCAR)
    UPDATE: Statement from owner Johnny Davis: “We understand the severity of the violation, and we accept NASCAR’s decision. We have investigated the incident on our end and made changes to ensure that a similar event does not occur again. We would like to thank NASCAR for its fair decision-making and the care they show for all teams in the Xfinity Series. We are ready to move forward and continue to improve as an organization. We have expressed our concerns about the incident to Jamie Dick and the Viva Motorsports organization and are certain our groups can move forward, compete aggressively and continue the great racing for which the series is known.”(JD Motorsports)(5-19-2015)
  • #40 team penalized: The #40 team that competes in the NASCAR XFINITY Series has been penalized for a rule infraction discovered during pre-race inspection May 2 at Talladega Superspeedway. The infraction is a P3 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing
    20.17.2.1: Overall vehicle weight
    B. Any and all ballast added to the vehicle must be bolted inside an added ballast container, inside the main frame rails, and/or inside the front sway bar mounting tube.
    As a result of this violation, crew chief Kevyn Rebolledo has been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Additionally, driver/owner Derek White has been docked 15 NASCAR XFINITY Championship driver and car owner points.(NASCAR)(5-6-2015)
  • Behavioral Penalties issued to #8 team members: NASCAR has issued Behavioral Penalties to five crew members for their actions during pre-race March 21 at Auto Club Speedway. The crew members were working for the #8 NASCAR XFINITY Series team when the violations occurred. The crew members violated the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Involved in a pre-race incident; failure to comply with a directive from Track Security
    12.8a: Behavioral Penalty
    Crew member Mark Armstrong has been fined $1,500, suspended from NASCAR until April 21 and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Crew members Tyler Bullard, Nathaniel House, Jeremy Howard and Ryan Mulder have all been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.(NASCAR)(3-25-2015)

 

Camping World Truck Series Penalties

 

  • GMS gets penalty following Talladega UPDATE 2: The #33 team has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during pre-qualifying inspection on Oct. 23. This is a P4 level penalty (Sections 20.4.12.2; 20.20.a; 20.4.f; P4, 12.5.3.4. b&d, Penalty Options; P4, 12.5.3.4.1 d&f, Penalty Examples). Crew chief Shane Huffman has been fined $10,000, suspended for the next three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship events, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that period, and placed on NASCAR probation for a six-month period following the issuance of the penalty. The team has also been assessed with the loss of 25 championship driver (Brandon Jones) and 25 championship owner (Maurice Gallagher Jr.) points.(NASCAR)(10-28-2015)
    UPDATE: Director of Competition Mike Beam’s response to penalties levied against alleged infractions made at Talladega Superspeedway:
    “As a stand-alone team in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) we respect NASCAR’s efforts to maintain a level playing field for all teams and competitors. However, we feel that it is in the best interest of our organization, partners and team personnel to appeal NASCAR’s decision. GMS Racing will have no further public comment until the process is completed.”(GMS Racing)(10-29-2015)
    UPDATE 2: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of a P4 level penalty issued on Oct. 28 to Shane Huffman (crew chief), Brandon Jones (driver) and Maurice Gallagher Jr. (owner) relative to the #33 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team at Talladega Superspeedway.
    The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR Rule Book: Sections 20.4.12.2; 20.20.a; 20.4.f; P4, 12.5.3.4. b&d, Penalty Options; P4, 12.5.3.4.1 d&f, Penalty Examples. The original penalty assessed included: Huffman was fined $10,000, suspended for the next three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Championship events, plus any non-championship races or special events which might occur during that period, and placed on NASCAR probation for a six-month period following the issuance of the penalty. Jones and Gallagher Jr. were also assessed with the loss of 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points, respectively. Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
    The Appellants violated the Rule or Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice
    The Panel finds that the suspension portion of the Penalty for the crew chief should not last beyond the current season in this special case because of the delay in the originally scheduled hearing. All other portions of the original Penalty as levied by NASCAR (e.g.; owner points; driver points; fine; probation) are affirmed and upheld.
    The Appellants have the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book.(NASCAR)(11-10-2014)
  • Penalty for JRM team following Charlotte: The #00 team that competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series has been penalized for a rules infraction discovered during post-race inspection on May 15 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The infraction is a P2 penalty and violates the following sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:
    12.1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing 20.17.3.3.2: Top Splitter Shelf Heights. Vehicle did not meet the minimum post-race splitter height.
    As a result of this violation, crew chief Joe Shear Jr. has been fined $6,000 and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Additionally, owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been docked 10 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship owner points.(NASCAR)(5-19-2015)
  • Penalties issued following Daytona: The #20 and #29 teams that competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series have been penalized for rules infractions discovered during post-race inspection Feb. 20 at Daytona International Speedway. These infractions are P2 level penalties which are outlined in Section 12.5.3.2 of the 2015 NASCAR Rule Book.
    The infractions violate Sections:
    12-1 – Actions detrimental to stock car racing;
    20.14.5 – Jack Screws: Monoball(s), excessive taper, bevels, or other devices on the end(s) of the front and rear jack screws will not be permitted;
    20.14.5.2 – Rear Jack Screws: Rear jack screws must have a minimum 0.875 inch flat surface, perpendicular to the rear jack screw, for attachment of the rear upper coil spring mounts.
    As a result of these violations crew chiefs Doug Howe (#20) and Chad Kendrick (#29) have been fined $2,500 and placed on NASCAR probation through the end of the calendar year. Both teams have also been docked 10 Championship Driver and Owner Points (#20 – Scott Lagasse Jr. and Robert Newberry; #29 – Austin Theriault and Brad Keselowski).(NASCAR)(2-25-2015)