2005 BUSCH SERIES PENALTIES/FINES
  • Montoya gesture could result in Busch Series penalty: NASCAR will look into whether Juan Pablo Montoya violated any of its rules by using an obscene gesture that was telecast by a Speed in-car camera during the final Busch Series practice Friday, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston confirmed. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver apparently was unaware the camera was being used for live television. NASCAR has fined and penalized drivers for obscene gestures caught on live television in the past.(SceneDaily.com)(4-21-2007)
    UPDATE: Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #42 Dodge in the Busch Series, has been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 because of an inappropriate gesture made during a practice session at Phoenix International Raceway. Montoya was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(4-25-2007)
  • Todd Brewer Fined: Todd Brewer, crew chief for the #25 Ford driven by David Gilliland in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $2,000 after it was found the #25 had unapproved, hollow jacking bolts. Brewer was in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20A-12.1A(8) (unapproved jacking bolts, hollow bolts). The violation was found during opening day inspection at Phoenix.(NASCAR PR)(4-25-2007)
  • #64 Crew Chief Frazier Fined: NASCAR has announced that Bryant Frazier, crew chief for the #64 Dodge driven by Mike Wallace in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $2,500 for rule violations that occurred last week at Homestead-Miami Speedway. During opening day inspection on November 18, the #64 was found to have an unapproved final drive gear ratio, a violation of Section 12-4-CC of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series rule book (any team that uses a rear end gear ratio that violates the specified ratios during an event). That also violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing).(NASCAR PR)(11-23-2005)
  • Penalties fron Infractions at Kansas: NASCAR announced Tuesday that fines have been issued to two NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations during opening day inspection at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 6. Jeff Britt, crew chief of the #23 Chevrolet driven by Mark Green was fined $1,000 after being found in violation of sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (unapproved lower A-Frame: unequal length) of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. Additionally, Joel Shear Jr., crew chief for the #43 Ford driven by Aaron Fike, was fined $500 for also violating 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (unapproved fuel filler neck: inside diameter exceeded maximum size).(NASCAR PR)(10-11-2005)
  • Truex to be penalized points and fined UPDATE: just before TNT’s race coverage of the Nextel Cup race at Richmond, it was mentioned by Bill Webber, that #8-Marin Truex Jr. would be fined and docked 25 points for his one-fingered salute to Mike Wallace after the two tangled Friday night in the Busch Series race.(9-11-2005)
    UPDATE: NASCAR announced today that Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #8 Chevrolet, has been penalized, fined and placed on probation after a rule violation during the NASCAR Busch Series race last Friday night at Richmond International Raceway. Truex was penalized 25 NASCAR Busch Series driver championship points and fined $10,000 for an inappropriate gesture, violating Section 12-4-A of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series rule book (actions detrimental to stock car racing). He has also been placed on probation until December 31, 2005. In addition, Truex’s car owner, Teresa Earnhardt, was penalized 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship owner points also for violating 12-4-A. The deductions reduce both Truex’s driver point total and Earnhardt’s owner point total from 3,956 to 3,931.(NASCAR)(9-13-2005)
  • Crew Chiefs Penalized: NASCAR announced that three NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs were penalized for rule infractions at Richmond. Eddie Buffington, crew chief for the #12 Dodge driven by Paul Wolfe and Chad Beahr, crew chief for the #94 Ford driven by Eddie Beahr, were each fined $500 for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules – steering idler arm was not solid) during opening day inspection on Sept. 8. And Ricky Viers, crew chief for the #21 Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick, was fined $500 after being found in violation of 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (lug nuts too thin). The infraction was discovered during qualifying on Sept. 9.(NASCAR)(9-13-2005)
  • Crew chief fined for California Infraction: NASCAR announced today that Teddy Brown, crew chief for the #43 Dodge driven by Aaron Fike in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $500 for an infraction during last weekend’s event at California Speedway. Brown was fined for an unapproved upper A-frame that was too thin, a violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rulebook.(NASCAR)(9-7-2005)
  • the #41 Tire Issue/Infraction/Penalty:
  • No Appeal by Ganassi – Statement: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates accepts the penalty issued by NASCAR for rules violations committed at Bristol Motor Speedway on Aug. 26, 2005. As an organization, we pride ourselves in following the guidelines set forth by NASCAR’s governing body. There will be no formal appeal submitted.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(8-31-2005)
  • More on the tire situation: Reed Sorenson said he was unaware anything was amiss with his team until [crew chief Brian] Pattie came to his motorcoach Friday at Bristol and told him what had happened. Pattie had been escorted out of the track after a NASCAR official saw Stafford rubbing something on the tires of Sorenson’s #41 Dodge. Sorenson said Stafford was using lacquer thinner, which racing mechanics say doesn’t improve the performance of tires like the softening solutions that are commonly used in some short track series but are strictly forbidden in NASCAR. NASCAR officials wouldn’t say what chemicals Sorenson’s crew used, and they emphasize that it’s against the rules to put anything on race tires. “It doesn’t matter what it was,” Busch Series spokeswoman Tracey Judd said. Sorenson said he’s unsure whether his team will appeal the penalty, but he’d like to at least have an opportunity to let people know the substance his crew member used wasn’t a tire-soaking solution.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(8-31-2005)
  • Penalties Announced NASCAR announced Tuesday that Brian Pattie, crew chief of the #41 Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $35,000, suspended from NASCAR until October 26 and for the next six NASCAR Busch Series events, and placed on probation until December 31, 2005 following rule violations at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 26. Pattie was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 9-4-A (the crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members) and 12-4-GG (any possession of or use of one or more tires that have been altered externally by unauthorized treatment) of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series rule book.
    Additionally, Sorenson was penalized 50 NASCAR Busch Series driver championship points and team owner Chip Ganassi was penalized 50 NASCAR Busch Series owner championship points for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-GG.
    The deductions reduce Sorenson’s driver point total from 3,412 to 3,362 and Ganassi’s owner point total from 3,322 to 3,272. Sorenson is third in the driver rankings while Ganassi is fifth in the owner standings.
    Also, Brandon Stafford, a crew member for Sorenson, was suspended from NASCAR until October 26 and for the next six NASCAR Busch Series events, and placed on probation until December 31 after violating 12-4-A and 12-4-GG.
    The suspensions for Pattie and Stafford begin this weekend when the NASCAR Busch Series competes at California Speedway and continue through the series event at Memphis Motorsports Park on Oct. 22.(NASCAR)(8-30-2005)
  • Illegal Tires? Crew Chief tossed from Track: NASCAR announced today that Brian Pattie, crew chief for the #41 Home 123 Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson, and crew member Brandon Stafford have been ejected from Bristol Motor Speedway for violating Section 20A-10.8.4-P of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series rule book (Tires that, in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, have been altered by unauthorized treatment will not be permitted). Additionally, the #41 will not be allowed to qualify for the Food City 250. The car will start at the rear of the field [was in a backup anyway due to a practice wreck]. The original tires were confiscated from the #41 Dodge; the team will be re-issued tires for the event.(NASCAR PR)(8-26-2005)
  • BGNRacing.com:
    Pattie, Crew Member Busted For Cheating While Teams Admit They Do It Too by Amanda Brahler

  • Penalties Announced for, MIS Infractions: NASCAR announced Tuesday that three members of the #64 NASCAR Busch Series team have been penalized for rule infractions found during opening day inspection on August 19 at Michigan International Speedway. Rusty Wallace, owner of the #64 Dodge, was penalized 25 championship owner points after being found in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series rule book due to an unapproved jacking bolt – incorrect thread count. Additionally, Jeremy Mayfield, driver of the #64 Dodge, was penalized 25 championship driver points for violating the same rules. Blake Bainbridge, crew chief for the #64 Dodge, was assessed a $10,000 fine as a result of the same infractions.
    Also, two other NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs were penalized following rule violations at Michigan found during opening day inspection.
    Todd Gordon, crew chief of the #10 Ford driven by Brent Sherman, was fined $5,000 after violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (unapproved intake manifold modification – plenum too large).
    Gene Allnutt, crew chief for the #26 Chevrolet driven by Kim Crosby, was fined $2,500 for violating 12-4-A and 12-4-CC (unapproved third gear transmission ratio).(NASCAR)(8-24-2005)
  • #64 Crew Chief Bainbridge Fined: NASCAR officials have announced that Blake Bainbridge, crew chief for the #64 Dodge driven by Rusty Wallace in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $500 for rules violations that occurred last week at Gateway International Raceway. During opening day inspection on July 29, the #64 was found to have an unapproved window net. The net was too small, a violation of Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series rule book. That infraction also violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing).(NASCAR PR)(8-2-2005)
  • Four Penalties Result From New Hampsire Infractions:
    NASCAR announced today that four penalties have been issued to NASCAR Busch Series competitors as a result of rules infractions last weekend at New Hampshire.
    Three penalties were issued to the # 90 Ford team because of an unapproved shock absorber, a violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing), and Section 12-4-Q (parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book. This infraction was discovered during post-race inspection. Elliott Sadler, driver of the #90, was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Busch Series driver championship points. Car owner Robert Yates was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Busch Series owner championship points. Crew chief Todd Parrott was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Sept. 21.
    Chris Rice, crew chief of the #59 Ford driven by Stacy Compton, was fined $5,000 for an unapproved throttle shaft and throttle plates that were too thin, a violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing), and Section 12-4-Q (parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book. This infraction was discovered during opening day inspection.(NASCAR PR)(7-20-2005)
  • Crew Chief Fined for Chicagoland Infraction: NASCAR announced today that Jay Guy, crew chief for the No. 47 Ford driven by Jon Wood in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $1,000 for an infraction last weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Guy was fined for a fuel cell vent hose that exceeded the specified maximum length, a violation of Section 12-4-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR Rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rulebook.(NASCAR PR)(7-13-2005)
  • #25 Crew Chief penalized: NASCAR announced today that Charlie Lewis, crew chief for the #25 Team Marines Ford driven by Ashton Lewis Jr. in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $500 for a rule infraction that occurred last week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. During the race weekend’s first inspection process, on May 26, the No. 25 was found to have an unapproved fuel filler. That violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book.(NASCAR)(6-2-2005)
  • Two Crew Chiefs Fined for Violations at Richmond: NASCAR officials announced Tuesday that fines have been issued to two NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations during opening day inspection at Richmond International Raceway on May 12. Teddy Brown, crew chief of the #34 Chevy driven by Randy LaJoie and Gordon Gibbs, crew chief for the #57 Chevy driven by Kyle Busch, were each fined $2,500 after being found in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-CC (unapproved gear ratio).(NASCAR PR)(5-17-2005)
  • Two Crew Chiefs Fined for Darlington Violations: NASCAR announced Tuesday that fines have been issued to two NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations during opening day inspection at Darlington Raceway on May 5.
    Blake Bainbridge, crew chief of the #64 Dodge driven by Jamie McMurray, was fined $2,500 after violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-CC (unapproved rear end gear ratio) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book.
    Ronnie Griffin, crew chief of the #0 Chevrolet driven by Kertus Davis, was fined $500 after violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components, and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) for an unapproved jacking bolt.(NASCAR PR)(5-10-2005)
  • Penalties from Talladega: NASCAR announced Wednesday that rule infractions this past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway have resulted in probation for two NASCAR Busch Series competitors. Kevin Lepage, driver of the #71 Chevrolet, was placed on probation until July 6, 2005. Lepage violated Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book (actions detrimental to stock car racing) by failing to follow a directive from a NASCAR official while stopped on pit road.
    Kenneth Campbell, crew chief of the #23 Chevrolet driven by Mark Green, was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2005 after violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) for an unapproved roof flap modification. The violation was determined during pre-qualifying inspection.
    In addition, Gregg Mixon, crew chief of the #7 Chevrolet driven by Greg Sacks, was fined $500. During pre-qualifying inspection the #7 was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q for an unapproved air directional device.(NASCAR PR)(5-4-2005)
  • NASCAR Official Fired over #1 Carb Problem: NASCAR, attempting to close the loops on the controversial disqualification of Busch Series driver Johnny Sauter at Texas [see that story below], Wednesday revealed that one of its inspectors has been fired as a result of the matter. Although NASCAR had no comment on the details, the Charlotte Observer reports that the inspector was released after an investigation into the case. The newspaper identified the inspector as Woody Neese. No more information was available.(Speed Channel)(4-21-2004)
  • Hmeil/Braun Racing Drop Appeal: Todd Braun, owner of Braun Racing, and Shane Hmiel, driver of the #32 WINFUEL Chevrolet, have decided not to appeal the penalties assessed by NASCAR for the incident that occurred during the Sharpie 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Monday, April 4. “Although we do not agree with the way that everything has been handled in regards to the incident that occurred; we do understand the direction that NASCAR is trying to move and what they are trying to accomplish,” Todd Braun said Monday afternoon. “We have decided not to appeal the penalties that were assessed, but to instead move forward in representing WINFUEL and the NASCAR Busch series. Braun Racing looks forward to putting this incident behind us and going to Phoenix to win the race.” NASCAR fined Shane Hmiel $10,000 and docked him 25 driver points for making an obscene gesture that appeared on live television via Hmiel’s in car camera. Owner Todd Braun was also docked 25 owner points for the incident. “I apologize for making the gesture,” Hmiel said today. “I never intended for it to end up on television. We have decided to drop the appeal and move forward with our pursuit of the Busch Series Championship.”(NASCAR PR)(4-20-2005)
  • Penalty coming? #1 UPDATE #1 and Sauter DQ’d, To APPEAL: Johnny Sauter’s #1 James Finch owned Dodge team finished 14th in Saturday’s O’Reilly 300 but may face penalties in the following days. Picked as the random car for post race inspection, Sauter’s Dodge caught the eyes of NASCAR officials. What the problem is exactly, is unclear at this time. “There are some issues with the #1 car that could result in a revision of the race results or could result in penalities for the #1 team. At this point the #1 car is still undergoing post race inspection,” said Busch Series Communications Manager Tracey Judd. The #1 car is being kept overnight for ongoing inspection. Vice President of Corporate Communications for NASCAR, Jim Hunter, will be on hand at the Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday to announce details of the infraction. The top three cars belonging to race winner Kasey Kahne, second place Greg Biffle and third place Reed Sorenson, all cleared the inspection process.(BGNRacing.com)(4-16-2005)
    UPDATE – disqualified Sauter’s team has been hit with their first of what is expected to be a long string of penalties for having an illegal carburetor on the #1 Dodge. On Sunday the team’s 14th place finish was thrown out, along with their earned points and money. The rest of the finishers below the 14th position from Saturday’s race will jump a spot in the rundown. Other penalties varying from monetary to suspensions will be handed out later this week.(BGNRacing.com)(4-16-2005)
    UPDATE 2 – Penalties: NASCAR announced Tuesday that Joe Shear Jr., crew chief of the #1 Dodge driven by Johnny Sauter in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been suspended until May 18 (the next four races beginning at Phoenix) and placed on probation until December 31, 2005 after rule violations Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway. Shear violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book due to an unapproved carburetor. The violations were determined following post-race inspection.(NASCAR PR)(4-19-2005)
    UPDATE 3 to APPEAL: Moments after the penalty was handed down, Phoenix Racing owner James Finch told Claire B. Lang live on XM Satellite NASCAR Radio that he would appeal: “We’re appealing the penalty as it came down for Joe. We’re also going to appeal the suspension in the race because NASCAR has a procedure to inspect these cars. They charge $900 per car in the Busch Series, and $2425 in the Cup Series, so NASCAR took in around $163,000 this weekend to inspect these cars. We gave them the carburetor–the specific carburetor in question–and asked them “Check this carburetor; we want to see if we can run this carburetor this weekend.” They did that. They checked it, they put it on the car, they put a seal on it, we went out and qualified, they impounded the car on Thursday afternoon. Saturday afternoon–late–they pulled the car and says “This is going to be a random check.” And they tore the motor down and they took the carburetor apart and said it was illegal, and it’s too big. I think it’s NASCAR’s mistake, it’s not my mistake.”(Claire B. Lang – XM Satellite NASCAR Radio)(4-20-2005)
  • Penalties announced: three NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs were penalized following rule infractions at Texas:
    Kevin Manion, crew chief of the #8 Chevrolet driven by Martin Truex Jr., was fined $1,000 after violating Sections 12-4-A, 9-4-A (crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members) and 20A-17.1A (crew member Jeff Kerr entered the car servicing area without a helmet during the race).
    Gregg Mixon, crew chief for the #7 Chevrolet driven by Mark Green, was fined $1,000 for violation of 12-4-A and 12-4CC (unapproved final gear ratio) during opening-day inspection.
    Dan Glaus, crew chief for the #43 Dodge driven by A.J. Fike, was in violation of 12-4-A and 12-4-Q during pre-qualifying inspection due to an unapproved jacking bolt. He was fined $500.(NASCAR PR)(4-19-2005)
  • Hmiel to appeal fine/penalty Statement: NASCAR driver Shane Hmiel, who runs all three of NASCAR’s top series, will appeal the $10,000 fine and the 25 points the sanctioning body took away for his nationally televised one-finger salute of Dale Jarrett during Monday’s Busch Series race at Bristol. Now that the situation has had time to cool off Hmiel explains “I don’t race to make friends but I don’t race to make enemies either. I really hate that it happened and I hate Dale Jarrett’s car got torn up and I hate that we got fined 25 points and stuff like that so we’re going to appeal it and see what happens and it’s already over with…I’m ready to go to Martinsville and run the truck. I respect Dale Jarrett for all he’s done as a racer. I’m sorry that the fans had to see that on television and their kids and everybody who enjoys NASCAR as much as I do but there’s two sides to every story and I’m not gonna be threatened by anybody or back down from anybody. I’ve got a great sponsor and a great owner that’s been behind me and Dale Jarrett knows that wasn’t anything personal…it’s five laps to go and it ended up being a wreck and it tore his car up and I’m sorry for that…it’s nothing I did on purpose. We’re just gonna go to Martinsville and let this pass and I’m sure they’ll be somebody’s as big a jerk as I am this week next week.”(PRN’s Garage Pass Radio show)(4-7-2005)
    STATEMENT: FROM SHANE HMIEL REGARDING BRISTOL NASCAR BUSCH RACE
    QUESTION: UPON REFLECTION, IF YOU HAD IT TO DO OVER AGAIN, WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENT AFTER MONDAY’S BUSCH RACE IN BRISTOL? HMIEL ANSWER: Of course I would. I want to apologize to the fans watching on television, especially the children, that they witnessed the post race on live TV. Every driver builds so much adrenaline at Bristol that it isn’t easy to shut it down immediately when your car rolls to a stop but it doesn’t make up for the fact that everyone watching live TV witnessed the incident.
    QUESTION: HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT DALE JARRETT? HMIEL ANSWER: I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dale. He has proved he is a great race driver. He has won a championship, three Daytona 500s and numerous other races. There is no way I meant to hit him; it was simply five laps to go at Bristol. Things happen so fast and with everyone wrecking in front of us, it played out that Dale ended up with a torn up race car. I hate that happened. I am very passionate about my racing and I am a hard racer. I love racing and there is nothing more I want to do. But part of what makes our sport is as strong as it is are drivers like Dale who have built the fan base and earned the respect on and off the track of their fellow drivers.
    QUESTION: WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE? HMIEL ANSWER: First, I would like to personally assure the fans that I have the utmost respect for all of the drivers who have built this sport to the level it is today, especially Dale Jarrett. I intend to speak with Dale and apologize to him for the comment I made after the race in the heat of the moment. I am sure Dale and I are going to race against one another several times this season and I want us to both be confident that this was an isolated incident and we are starting with a clean slate. I would like to put this all behind us so we can all go forward in a positive manner. We have filed an appeal with NASCAR regarding the penalties that were assessed and will make the best presentation we can. Whatever the decision is, we will respect and move on to the next race.(GM PR)(4-9-2005)
  • Hmiel and others penalized for actions at Bristol: NASCAR announced Wednesday that Shane Hmiel, driver of the #32 WinFuel Chevrolet, has been penalized and fined after a rule violation Monday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Additionally, five other NASCAR Busch Series teams were penalized following rule infractions at Bristol.
    Hmiel was penalized 25 driver points and fined $10,000 for an inappropriate gesture, violating Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book (actions detrimental to stock car racing). Hmiel has also been placed on probation until August 31, 2005. The points deduction will not alter Hmiel’s ninth-place ranking in the standings. In addition, Hmiel’s car owner, Todd Braun, was penalized 25 owner points.
    Denny Hamlin, driver of the #20 Chevrolet, was fined $5,000 and placed on probation until August 31, 2005 for hitting another competitor’s car after the completion of the race, a violation of 12-4-A.
    Additionally, four crew chiefs received fines after being found in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    Brian Pattie, crew chief of the #41 Dodge driven by Reed Sorenson, was fined $2,000 for unapproved lug nuts on all four (4) wheels. Blake Bainbridge, crew chief of the #64 Dodge driven by Jeremy Mayfield, was fined $500 for unapproved lug nuts on one (1) wheel. Also, Todd Gordon, crew chief for the #10 Ford driven by Michel Jourdain Jr. and James Ward, crew chief of the #22 Ford of Kenny Wallace, were each fined $500 due to not having a rear bumper reinforcement bar.(NASCAR PR)
    NOTE: a few readers and myself wonder……what happened to the 7-second delay for the Fox/FX broadcast of the race? While I don’t condone Hmiel’s action, couldn’t they had cut away since they had the delay option?
    ANSWER: Fox does’t use any delay at all and has no plans to do so…..(4-6-2005)
  • Two Crew Chief Fines: NASCAR announced Monday that fines have been issued to two NASCAR Busch Series crew chiefs resulting from rule violations during opening day inspection at Nashville Superspeedway on March 25. Steve Plattenberger, crew chief of the #12 Dodge driven by Tim Fedewa and Elton Sawyer, crew chief for the #6 Dodge driven by Kasey Kahne, were each fined $500 after being found in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (unapproved lug nuts).(NASCAR PR)(3-29-2005)
  • #32 Fighting Crew Chief Suspension UPDATE: #32 Braun Racing [Shane Hmiel driver] will fight a $10,000 fine and four-race suspension of crew chief Todd Lohse given for an alteration to the roof flap found during initial inspection at California. A piece of aluminum taped inside the roof flap to keep it from sagging was snagged and NASCAR believed it would have restricted the air flow through the flap. Team owner Todd Braun said he would fight the penalty, especially because there was no competitive advantage that would have been gained. No date for the appeal has been set. “There was zero advantage,” Lohse said. “It was a brace that was put in there by one of the fabricators because the roof flap sagged a bit and we were trying to hold it up.”.(NASCAR Scene via BGNRacing.com)(3-10-2005)
    UPDATE: On March 15, 2005, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the Appeal of Todd Lohse, crew chief for Braun Racing, NASCAR Busch Series car #32. The penalties stemmed from a NASCAR Busch Series race at California Speedway on February 25, 2005. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing,” and Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: unapproved hinged air deflector modifications.” The penalty assessed by NASCAR was a $10,000 fine and suspension until March 30, 2005 or the next four (4) NASCAR Busch Series Events. The Commission temporarily deferred the penalty until the hearing date.
    In considering the Appeal, the Commission affirms that making unapproved modifications to safety equipment, such as roof flaps, constitutes a serious offense and harsh penalties are usually warranted. In this case the material added might have effected the proper functioning of the air channel that runs between the two roof flaps. Without in any way diminishing the preceding considerations, after reviewing the testimony specific to this Appeal, the Commission determined that there were mitigating circumstances. Accordingly, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to reduce the original penalty issued by NASCAR to: a $10,000 fine and probation through the end of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series season. The Appellant has the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR)(3-17-2005)
  • Crew Chiefs Fined: NASCAR announced that Elton Sawyer, crew chief for the #6 Dodge driven by Paul Wolfe in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $2,500 for a rule violation that occurred last week at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez road course in Mexico City. During opening day inspection on March 3, the #6 was found to have an unapproved first gear transmission ratio, a violation of Section 12-4-CC of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book. That also violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing).
    In addition, Danny Gill, crew chief for the #73 Chevrolet driven by Eric Jones, has been fined $500 because of an unapproved intake manifold found during the opening day inspection. The #73 was in violation of 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules).(NASCAR PR)(3-11-2005)
  • #32 Crew Chief Lohse Fined, Suspended: NASCAR announced Tuesday that Todd Lohse, crew chief for the #32 Chevrolet driven by Shane Hmiel in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $10,000 and suspended until March 30 (or the next four races), for rule violations occurring this past weekend at California Speedway. During opening day inspection last Friday, the #32 was found to have unapproved hinged air deflector modifications. That violated Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Busch Series rule book (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    The #32 team has filed a request for an appeal hearing with the National Stock Car Racing Commission. The penalties have thus been deferred, enabling Lohse to participate in this weekend’s NASCAR Busch Series event in Mexico City.
    In addition, two other NASCAR Busch Series penalties were announced, coming out of the California weekend. Both infractions also were determined during opening day inspection. Tommy Perkins, crew chief for the #16 Chevrolet driven by John Hayden, has been fined $2,500. The #16 had an unapproved third gear transmission ratio, a violation of Section 12-4-CC. Section 12-4-A also was violated. John Vermillion, crew chief for the #7 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Fuller, has been fined $500. The car had an unapproved intake manifold, violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q.(NASCAR PR)(3-1-2005)
  • Fines Announced for Daytona Infractions: NASCAR announced Wednesday that fines have been issued to three NASCAR Busch Series teams resulting from rule violations during opening day inspection at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 15.
    Trip Bruce, crew chief of the #20 Chevrolet driven by Denny Hamlin and Stephen Yeagle, crew chief for the #67 Chevrolet driven by C.W. Smith, were each fined $2,500 after being found in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-CC (unapproved third gear transmission ratio).
    Ricky Pearson, crew chief on the #36 Chevrolet driven by Stanton Barrett, was fined $500 in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-U (fuel cell neck exceeded maximum specified diameter).(NASCAR PR)(2-23-2005)