2008 NATIONWIDE SERIES PENALTIES/FINES
  • Rogers Fined for Phoenix Infraction: NASCAR announced that Wally Rogers, crew chief for the #9 Dodge driven by AJ Allmendinger, has been fined due to rules violations during the Nationwide Series event at Phoenix International Raceway. Rogers was fined $1,000 for violating Section 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-12.4C (unequal length – lower A-frames) of the 2008 Nationwide Series rule book. The infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on Nov. 6.(NASCAR PR)(11-11-2008)
  • #28 & #52 Teams Penalized: NASCAR announced that Chris Rice, crew chief for the #28 Chevy driven by Kenny Wallace and Jimmy Means, crew chief for the #52 Chevy of driver Brad Teague, have been fined and placed on NASCAR probation due to rule violations during the Nationwide Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park.
    Rice was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008 for violating Section 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); 12-4-Q(2) (if, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, a car, car component, engine, engine component or any other part or related equipment that has been previously certified by NASCAR for use in an event pursuant to Section 8-12 has been altered, modified, repaired or changed in any manner prior to or during the event without prior notification to and approval by NASCAR) and 20A-16.1B (fuel cell – safety foam did not meet the minimum specified height) of the 2008 Nationwide Series rule book. Rice was fined an additional $1,000 for violation of Section 12-4-A; 12-4-Q and 20A-12.1B(3) (rear coil spring exceeded the maximum specified height). Additionally, Wallace was docked 100 Nationwide Series championship driver points and car owner Mimi Fitz was penalized with the loss of 100 Nationwide Series owner championship points.The infractions were discovered during post-race inspection on Oct. 25.
    As a result of pre-race inspection on Oct. 24, Means was fined $5,000 and placed on probation also until Dec. 31, 2008 for violating Section 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 20-A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturis exceeded the specified size). He received a second fine of $1,000 for violating 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20-A-14.1B (non-approved rear brake caliper).(NASCAR PR)(10-29-2008)
  • Wolfe Fined, Placed on Probation: NASCAR announced that Paul Wolfe, crew chief for the #00 Toyota driven by Josh Wise, has been fined and placed on NASCAR probation due to rule violations during the Nationwide Series event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Wolfe was fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for violating Section 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-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturis exceeded the specified size) of the 2008 Nationwide Series rule book. The infraction was discovered during opening-day inspection on Oct. 9.(NASCAR PR)(10-14-2008)
  • Stock Car Racing Commission Amends Gibbs Penalties: On September 3, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Joe Gibbs Racing. The appeal concerned two penalties issued by NASCAR to drivers Tony Stewart and Joey Logano. The Appellants specifically requested that the Commission review the probation portion of the driver penalties only. The Appellants also requested and were granted a deferral of the driver probation portions of the penalties until this hearing could be convened. After reviewing the testimony presented during the hearing, the National Stock Car Racing Commission unanimously decided to amend the penalties assessed by NASCAR, removing the probation portions of both driver penalties, while leaving the Championship Driver points portions intact.(NASCAR PR)(9-3-2008)
  • Gibbs Penalties Announced: NASCAR announced that the #18 and #20 teams in the Nationwide Series have been penalized due to rule violations discovered by NASCAR inspectors prior to post-race testing on the chassis dynamometer Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway.

    Both the #18 and # 20 cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 8-9 (competitive analysis – from time to time, NASCAR may determine, in the interest of competition, that it is necessary or appropriate to undertake an analysis of the performance capabilities of a car, car part, component or equipment. The Competitor shall take whatever steps are requested by NASCAR Officials for this purpose. NASCAR also has the right to seal or impound cars, car parts, components and/or equipment for this purpose); 12-4-Q (1): (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules, detailed in Section 20A of the 2008 NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event, or is not required for the normal functional operation of the race car, or has been altered to detract from or compromise its integrity or effectiveness, whether operational or not); 12-4-K: (when NASCAR Officials mandate inspection during the Event, if any car, car parts, components, and/or equipment which have been used in the Event are taken from the racing premises without permission of a NASCAR Official, or are tampered with by any member of the team or anyone associated with the team: Magnetic spacer attached under the gas pedal with the intent of compromising the chassis dynamometer test). Both of the drivers – Joey Logano of the #18 and Tony Stewart of the #20 – have been penalized with the loss of 150 championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2008. Joe Gibbs, owner of both of the cars, has likewise been penalized 150 championship owner points for each of those entries.

    Both crew chiefs – Jason Ratcliff of the #18 and Dave Rogers of the #20 – have been fined $50,000 and indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.

    From the No. 18 team, car chief Dorian Thorsen; engine tuner Michael Johnson; and crew member Toby Bigelow have been placed on indefinite suspension from NASCAR. From the #20 team, car chief Richard Bray and engine tuner Dan Bajek have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.

    In addition, the entire # 18 and No. 20 Nationwide Series teams have been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2008.(NASCAR PR)(8-20-2008)

  • Almquist, Wolfe Fined For Rule Violations At Watkins Glen: NASCAR announced that Kirk Almquist, crew chief for the #9 Dodge driven by Patrick Carpentier and Paul Wolfe, crew chief for the #22 Dodge driven by Ryan Newman, have been fined due to rule violations during the Nationwide Series event at Watkins Glen International.
    Almquist was fined $5,000 for violating Section 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-5.10.1B(6) (combined thickness of the throttle shaft and throttle plate was less than the specified thickness of 0.197 inches) of the 2008 Nationwide Series Rule Book.
    Wolfe was fined $1,000 for violating Section 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-16.5.1B (fuel line, from the fuel cell to the filter, exceeded the maximum specified size).
    Both infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on Aug. 8.(NASCAR PR)(8-13-2008)
  • NASCAR Fines Walter for Violation at New Hampshire: NASCAR announced today that Chad Walter, crew chief for the #5 Chevy driven by Landon Cassill, has been fined due to a rule violation during the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 28. Walter was fined $10,000 and remains on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 due to violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing: use of improper language by the crew chief during a televised interview of the race) of the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book. Walter originally was placed on probation in February, because of rule violations at the season-opening event, at Daytona International Speedway. Additionally, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #5, was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series car owner points while Cassill was docked 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series driver points.(NASCAR PR)(7-2-2008)
  • Eury Sr., Two JR Motorsports Crew Members Fined, Penalized For Actions At Lowe’s: UPDATE: NASCAR announced that Tony Eury Sr., crew chief for the #88 Chevy driven by Brad Keselowski, has been fined and placed on probation as have two members of the JR Motorsports team that were involved in a post-race altercation in the pit road impound area following the Nationwide Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 24.
    Eury Sr. was fined $1,000 and placed on probation until June 25, 2008 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 9-4A (the crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his or her driver, car owner and team members) of the 2008 Nationwide Series Rule Book.
    Additionally, JR Motorsports crew member Michael Sandlin will serve a one-race suspension from the Nationwide Series and is suspended from NASCAR until June 4, 2008. He has been placed on probation until October 15, 2008 and also has been fined $1,500 for violating Section 12-4-A. Sandlin failed to follow a directive from a NASCAR official and had inappropriate contact with a NASCAR official during the post-race altercation.
    Jordan Allen, another JR Motorsports crew member, also has been placed on probation until October 15, 2008 and fined $1,500 for being in violation of Section 12-4-A. Allen also failed to follow a directive from a NASCAR official and had inappropriate contact with a NASCAR official during the post-race altercation.(NASCAR PR)(5-28-2008)
    UPDATE: JR Motorsports will not appeal the penalties NASCAR issued the team following a pit-road melee following the May 24 race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. A team spokesman said Thursday that the NASCAR Nationwide Series organization would not appeal the penalties.(SceneDaily.com)(5-29-2008)
  • National Stock Car Racing Commission Upholds #0 Team Penalty: On March 5, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of JD Motorsports regarding the #0 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on February 15, 2008 for the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Daytona International Speedway. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20A-8.4C: “The oil reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely.” The penalties assessed were:
    • Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Johnny Davis.
    • Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver Kertus Davis.
    • $15,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR for the next six (6) NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9, 2008 (not including testing), and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief Gene Allnutt.
    The Appellants argued that the missing bolt at the corner of the cover was inadvertent; that it did not constitute a performance advantage; that the penalties were too severe for the infraction; and that the disallowance of their qualifying time at Daytona should factor into the subsequent penalties.
    In deliberating, the Commission considered several factors including Section 20A-2.1L concerning the passage of air into or out of the car. In this case, the movement of the cover resulting from the missing bolt was evident. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Commission notes that crew chief, Gene Allnutt, began serving his suspension last week, so the adjusted penalty notice to correct for the deferral will reflect this. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(3-5-2008)
  • National Stock Car Racing Commission Amends #14 Team Penalty: On March 4, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Richardson-Haas Motorsports regarding the #14 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on February 15, 2008 for the Nationwide Series event at Daytona. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20A-8.4C: “The oil reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely.” The penalties assessed were:
    • Loss of 25 Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Carl Haas.
    • Loss of 25 Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver David Gilliland.
    • $15,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR for the next six (6) Nationwide Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9, 2008 (not including testing), and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief Robert Edwards.
    The Appellants argued that the infractions were inadvertent and due to inadequate preparation time. In deliberating, the Commission considered several factors including Section 20A-2.1L concerning the passage of air into or out of the car. The installation of the cover appeared to readily allow air from the underside of the reserve oil tank encasement to pass into the cockpit, as evidenced by the significant bowing of the cover following qualifying. By a majority vote, the National Stock Car Racing Commission decided to amend two of the three original penalties assessed by NASCAR as follows:
    • Loss of 25 Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points and a $15,000.00 fine for car owner Carl Haas, with the fine payable by the current majority owner of Richardson-Haas Motorsports, Donnie Richardson.
    • Loss of 25 Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver David Gilliland.
    • Suspension from NASCAR for the next six (6) Nationwide Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9, 2008 (not including testing), and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief Robert Edwards.
    The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(3-5-2008)
  • National Stock Car Racing Commission Amends #1 Team Penalty: On March 4, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Phoenix Racing regarding the #1 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by following post-qualifying inspection on February 15, 2008 for the Nationwide Series event at Daytona. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20A-8.4C: “The oil reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely.” The penalties assessed were:
    • Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner James Finch.
    • Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver Johnny Sauter.
    • $15,000 fine; suspension from NASCAR for the next six (6) Nationwide Series Championship Events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9, 2008 (not including testing), and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief Newt Moore.
    The Appellants argued that the infractions were minor, did not constitute a performance advantage, and did not warrant the penalties assessed. In deliberating, the Commission considered several factors including Section 20A-2.1L concerning the passage of air into or out of the car. In this case, the stepped, 2-part encasement cover was missing a bolt in the top cover section, as well as being loose along the perimeter of the bottom cover section. The Commission also decided that there were very unusual circumstances regarding the crew chief in this case. Therefore, by a majority vote, it is the decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to amend two of the three original penalties issued by NASCAR as follows:
    • Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points and a $15,000.00 fine for car owner James Finch.
    • Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver Johnny Sauter.
    • Suspension from NASCAR for the next two (2) weeks and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief Newt Moore.
    The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(3-4-2008)
  • National Stock Car Racing Commission Overturns Penalty agains RWI: On March 3, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Rusty Wallace Racing. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on February 15, 2008 for the Nationwide Series race at Daytona. The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing”; Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules” and Section 20A-8.4C: “The oil tank reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely.” The penalties assessed were:
    Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Ed Rensi.
    Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver David Stremme.
    $15,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR from the next six Nationwide Series events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9, 2008; and probation until December 31, 2008 for crew chief Steve Darne.
    In deliberating, the Commission also considered Section 20A-2.1L of the Rule Book concerning the passage of air into or out of the car. After reviewing the testimony and evidence presented during the hearing, the Commission determined that the cover appeared to be fastened. All bolts appeared to be fully engaged. The slight deflection at one corner of the cover which gave rise to the penalty was arguable, given the overall design of the oil tank reservoir encasement. Therefore, by a majority decision, the National Stock Car Racing Commission decided to rescind the penalties assessed by NASCAR.(NASCAR PR)(3-3-2008)
  • Five Qualifying Times Disallowed: UPDATE 3: Penalties Announced: Qualifying speeds for #77-Cale Gale, #1-Johnny Sauter, #14-David Gilliland, #64-David Stremme, and #0-Kertus Davis were found to have illegal modifications to their cars following qualifying. #0-Kertus Davis will now miss the race.(2-15-2008)
    UPDATE: After qualifying, NASCAR announced the times for David Gilliland, David Stremme, Johnny Sauter, Cale Gale and Kertus Davis were disallowed. All cars were found in violation of a NASCAR rule involving the lid on the oil tank behind the driver’s seat. All but Davis regained entry based on owner points. Dwayne Leik replaces Davis in the 43-car field.(USA Today)(2-15-2008)
    UPDATE 2: Kertus Davis will drive the #01 in place in Dewayne Leik.(2-16-2008)
    UPDATE 3: NASCAR announced that seven of its teams in the Nationwide Series have been penalized due to rule violations during Speedweeks at Daytona. The # 5 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules); 20A-3.1.1E (1) (the rear ends of the spoiler did not meet the specified height); and 20A-3.12.1A (altered rear spoiler after passing template inspection to enhance aerodynamic performance) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book. The violation occurred following practice on Feb. 14. Driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver points, while car owner Rick Hendrick has been penalized 50 championship owner points. Crew chief Chad Walter has been fined $25,000 and suspended for the next six Nationwide Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.
    The # 0, #1, #14, #64, and #77 cars were all found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A; 12-4-Q; and 20A-8.4C (the oil reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely). These violations were discovered during post-qualifying inspection on Feb. 15. Each of the cars’ respective drivers and owners — Kertus Davis/Johnny Davis for the #0; Johnny Sauter/James Finch for the #1; David Gilliland/Carl Haas for the #14; David Stremme/Ed Rensi for the #64; and Cale Gale/ DeLana Harvick for the #77 have been penalized with the loss of 25 driver and owner championship points.
    Crew chiefs Gene Allnutt (#0); Newt Moore (#1); Bob Edwards (#14); Steve Darne (#64); and Charlie Wilson (#77) have each been fined $15,000 and suspended for the next six Nationwide Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.
    Additionally, Jerry Baxter, crew chief for the #99 car received a $5,000 fine and was placed on probation until July 9 for violating Sections 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturies exceeded the specified size). This infraction took place during opening day inspection on Feb. 12.(NASCAR PR)(2-20-2008)