2010 NATIONWIDE SERIES PENALTIES/FINES - Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site

2010 NATIONWIDE SERIES PENALTIES/FINES

Cobb’s crew chief fined: NASCAR announced that Steve Kuykendall, crew chief of the #13 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 as a result of rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Kansas Speedway. The #13 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturis exceeded the specified size) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on Oct. 1.(NASCAR)(10-6-2010)
Brian Keselowski’s crew chief fined: NASCAR announced that Wesley Gonder, crew chief of the #26 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2010 as a result of rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The #26 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturies exceeded the specified size) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book.The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on Sept. 3.(NASCAR PR)(9-8-2010)
Stock Car Commission upholds penalties to #40 team: On August 10, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of Gary Showalter, Crew Chief for the Key Motorsports #40 NASCAR Nationwide Series car. The penalty concerned Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book: “Actions detrimental to stock car racing.”; Section 12-4-J: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR Rules”; and Section 20A-5.10.1B(3): “The venturi height was not dimensionally correct.” This stemmed from the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Daytona International Speedway on June 29, 2010. The penalty assessed was a $5,000.00 fine. The Appellant argued that the carburetor in question had been inspected and raced in a number of NASCAR Nationwide Series races prior to failing inspection, and that the inspection gauges were not always reliable. When the carburetor was checked again during the hearing, the venturies visibly failed inspection using both the NASCAR gauge and the gauge provided by the Appellant’s carburetor builder. The gauge is straightforward and indicates a “go” or “no go”. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalty assessed by NASCAR.(NASCAR)(8-10-2010)
NASCAR takes shock from #88 team UPDATE: During post-race inspection at O’Reilly Raceway Park, NASCAR found that the left front shock from the #88 JR Motorsports Chevy would not rebound. The shock will be taken back to the NASCAR Research and Development Center for further evaluation. Any penalties would likely be announced on Tuesday.(7-24-2010)
UPDATE:: NASCAR handed down penalties Tuesday to the #88 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series for a rule violation committed last week at O’Reilly Raceway Park. The penalties come as a result of the team violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20A-12.3T (unapproved left front shock absorber) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book. The violation was discovered in post-race inspection on July 24. Crew chief Tony Eury Sr. has been fined $10,000, while owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. and driver Aric Almirola have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner and 25 championship driver points, respectively.(NASCAR PR)(7-27-2010)
Edwards could be penalized: UPDATES: NASCAR officials are reviewing whether to punish #60-Carl Edwards for intentionally wrecking #22-Brad Keselowski on the last lap of Saturday night’s Nationwide Series race at Gateway International Speedway, multiple sources told ESPN.com. A decision will be made Tuesday or Wednesday. Edwards turned Keselowski sideways heading for the checkered flag on the straightaway coming off the final turn. The incident triggered a multi-car wreck that allowed Edwards to win and left point leader Keselowski 14th. Edwards received a three-race probation from NASCAR in March for sending Keselowski’s car into an airborne flip in the final laps of the Sprint Cup race at Atlanta. His intent in this incident is being scrutinized by the governing body, which has shied away from penalizing points and money after issuing a “have at it boys” edict in January.(ESPN.com)(7-19-2010)
PENALITES: NASCAR has penalized the #60 team and the #22 driver for rule violations committed during last Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Gateway International Raceway. The penalties come as a result of violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing/ aggressive driving) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book. Carl Edwards, driver of the #60, has been penalized with the loss of 60 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points, fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Car owner Jack Roush has been penalized with the loss of 60 series championship owner points. Brad Keselowski, driver of the #22, has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR), the probation for both drivers applies to the Sprint Cup Series as well.(7-21-2010)
STATEMENTS: Statement from Keselowski: “The incident at the end of Saturday night’s race at Gateway was unfortunate not just for Penske Racing and the #22 Discount Tire Dodge team, but for all of the teams that were caught up in the aftermath. There was unnecessary damage done to a lot of race cars as a result of the incident, including one of our best cars. We support NASCAR’s decision and we look forward to putting this behind us. Our focus continues to be working hard to get Discount Tire, Ruby Tuesday, Dodge, Mr. Penske and Penske Racing a Championship this season.” (Penske PR)(7-21-2010)
AND: “We have received notification of NASCAR’s penalties against Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski and Roush Fenway Racing related to Saturday night’s race at Gateway International Raceway,” said Roush Fenway president Geoff Smith. “As with all NASCAR actions of this nature, we will internally evaluate the penalties, and the underlying explanations, prior to making any decision about next steps. We look forward to watching Carl and Brad as they continue to compete on a weekly basis for the championship in the Nationwide Series.”(RFR PR)(7-21-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said the punishments would have no effect on a renewed commitment to an unwritten code of frontier justice that allows drivers latitude for banging fenders at 200 mph in the goal of self-policing the sport. “Absolutely,” said Pemberton, who set the tone for this year’s aggression with his oft-quoted “Boys, have at it” pronouncement in January. “We think it works well. We think the vast majority of competitors throughout all our series have handled themselves accordingly and measured their actions and reactions accordingly. We feel they’ve done an outstanding job. We’re not changing the policy. We just have two competitors who have gone over the edge.” The probations apply across all three national series, as Edwards and Keselowski are racing full time in the Nationwide and Sprint Cup series.(USA Today)(7-22-2010)
#49 team could be penalized for losing weights: Steven Wallace knew he should have skipped Nationwide Series practice on Thursday. Although practice runs had been precarious with the new cars on Wednesday, Wallace never expected a piece of debris would send the #66 Toyota to the garage prematurely. However, Wallace’s primary car was destroyed after Reed Sorenson’s tire flew into his windshield, crushing the A-post at the front of the driver’s window. Sorenson ran over debris From the #49 Jay Robinson Racing Chevy that destroyed his undercarriage and tire. The tire and other debris shot into the grill of Wallaces’s #66 Toyota. “(Sorenson) hit a piece of lead is what it was,” said Wallace, who was 11th fastest during the first practice on Wednesday. “The 32 hit it and blew his left rear tire off and then it went right through the front of my car and through my radiator. I think if it had gone through the windshield it would have killed me. That’s scary (stuff), for sure. But I’m glad to be here to talk to you.” The debris NASCAR discovered on the track turned out to be a combination of five six-inch bricks of lead and tungsten weights from the frame rail of the #49. According to sources, Mark Green was preparing to take his first lap of the day and as he pulled off of pit road the vibration caused the weight to dislodge since the cap restraining the lead was not secure. The lead weighs 22-pounds and costs between $150-200. The tungsten weighs 35-pounds and costs $1,000 per brick. In the past, NASCAR has fined teams per the pound and after destroying the #66 and 32 cars, the pending penalties are expected to be sizeable.(Fox Sports)(7-1-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR announced that two NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chiefs have been fined due to rule violations during last week’s event at Daytona International Speedway. Curtis Aldridge, crew chief for the #49 team, was fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until December 31, 2010, for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-2.3A (improperly attached weight) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The violations occurred during practice on July 1.
AND Gary Showalter, crew chief for the #40 team, was fined $5,000 for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-5.10.1B(3) (venturi height was not dimensionally correct). These infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on June 29.(NASCAR)(7-7-2010)
Possible penalty for Braun Racing: UPDATES: NASCAR officials say Braun Racing faces a potential penalty for an “unapproved transfer of tires” during the Federated Auto Parts 300 Nationwide Series race at Nashville Superspeedway. NASCAR said the transfer was between the #10 Toyota driven by Tayler Malsam and the #38 driven by Jason Leffler. Leffler blew an engine and finished 34th after 85 laps, while Malsam finished 11th, completing all 225 laps. No other details of the infraction were immediately available.(NNS Racing)(6-6-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR has penalized the #10 and #38 teams that compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series as a result of rule violations during the June 5 race at Nashville Superspeedway. Both teams were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); 20A-10.8.2E (teams will not be permitted to use tires or wheels from another team unless approved by the series director) and 20A-10.8.2L (identification numbers have been changed on previously approved tires) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. As a result, Stuart Cooper, crew chief of the #10 car and Sean Whisenhunt, tire specialist on the #10, along with Trip Bruce, crew chief for the #38 car and Kevin Bellicourt, tire specialist for the #38, all have been suspended from the next two NASCAR Nationwide Series races, suspended from NASCAR until June 23 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Bruce and Cooper also were each fined $25,000. Tayler Malsam, driver of the #10 car, and Jason Leffler, driver of the #38, each were penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide championship driver points for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J, 20A-10.8.2E and 20A-10.8.2L. Additionally, the owners of the #10 and #38 cars, Todd Braun and Ralph Braun, respectively, each were penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide championship owner points also for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J, 20A-10.8.2E and 20A-10.8.2L.(NASCAR PR)(6-9-2010)
Team Statement: Todd Braun statement regarding penalties for the #38 and #10 teams following Nationwide Series race at Nashville Superspeedway: “Though we feel the penalties levied against Braun Racing for infractions at Nashville Superspeedway against the #38 and #10 teams are harsh under the circumstances, we understand NASCAR’s need to be consistent in making sure teams adhere to the rule book in order to promote a level playing field,” says Braun. “This situation is the result of miscommunication between team personnel and we will need to further evaluate the circumstances and work to improve our procedures to ensure this does not happen again.” (Braun PR)(6-9-2010)
UPDATE:On July 7, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of Braun Racing regarding the #10 NASCAR Nationwide Series car. The penalty concerned Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book: “Actions detrimental to stock car racing.”; Section 12-4-J: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR Rules”; Section 20A-10.8.2E: “Teams will not be permitted to use tires or wheels for competition from another team unless approved by the Series Director”; and Section 20A-10.8.2L: “Identification numbers have been changed on previously approved tires.” This stemmed from the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Nashville Superspeedway on June 5, 2010. Four penalties were originally assessed. The Appellants requested and were granted a deferral of the fine and suspensions until such time as this hearing could be convened, but later withdrew the requests for suspension deferrals, and the crew chief and tire specialist began serving their suspensions at that time. The point losses were not appealed. So the appeal pertained to the $25,000 fine. The team freely admitted that the infractions had occurred, but asked for leniency in regards to the fine. The Appeals Panel found the penalty to be correct for the infraction. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalty assessed by NASCAR. (NASCAR)(7-7-2010)
Sellers penalized for unapprove fuel: NASCAR announced that penalties have been issued to the crew chief, owner and driver for the #25 NASCAR Nationwide Series team due to rule violations found on June 26 during post-qualifying inspection at last weekend’s event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. In addition to having the qualifying time disallowed for the #25 car, crew chief Paul Richmond has been fined $10,000 and suspended for the next four NASCAR Nationwide Series events, suspended from NASCAR until July 28, 2010, and placed on probation until Dec. 31, for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules), 20A-15 (NASCAR reserves the right to have all cars use the same brand of fuel in a given event) and 20A-15.2C (the gasoline must not be blended with alcohols, ethers, or other oxygenates and it must not be blended with aniline or its derivatives, nitro compounds or other nitrogen-containing compounds) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. Team owner Bert Sellers Jr. was penalized with the loss of 50 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship owner points while driver Peyton Sellers also was docked 50 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points.(NASCAR PR)(6-30-2010)
#34 crew chief fined: NASCAR announced that Scott Eggleston, crew chief of the #34 team that competes in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined $5,000 as a result of rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Road America. The #34 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-5.10.1B(6): (combined thickness of throttle shaft and throttle plate was less than specified thickness) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on June 18.(NASCAR PR)(6-23-2010)
#38 team penalized: NASCAR has issued penalties to the #38 team that competes in the Nationwide Series as a result of rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Darlington Raceway. The #38 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-12.3T (unapproved left front shock absorber) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during post-race inspection on May 7. Crew chief Stewart Cooper has been fined $10,000. Team owner Ralph Braun was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship owner points and driver Kasey Kahne was docked 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points>(NASCAR PR)(5-12-2010)
Keselowski’s shocks taken: UPDATE: #22-Brad Keselowski took over the points lead by 60 over #33-Harvick. #18-Kyle Busch, who had entered the race as the points leader, was involved in two accidents and dropped to third, 104 points behind Keselowski. But Keselowski might have a smaller points lead after Tuesday. NASCAR has confiscated the left front spring and right front shock from the race-winning car of Keselowski. They were under the minimum spring rate, and NASCAR will evaluate the pieces at its research and development center before determining any penalties.(Scene Daily)(4-26-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR announced that three NASCAR Nationwide Series teams have been fined and penalized due to rule violations during this past weekend’s event at Talladega Superspeedway. Paul Wolfe, crew chief for the #22 team, was fined $10,000 for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-12.1A(8) (unapproved left front spring). Wolfe was fined an additional $10,000 for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12.3T (unapproved right front shock absorber) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book. Jodi Geschickter, owner of the #22 team, was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship owner points for violating 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12.1A(8), and lost an additional 25 owner points for violating 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12.3T. Brad Keselowski, driver of the #22 car, also was docked 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points for violating 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12.1A(8). He also surrendered an additional 25 driver points for violating 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12.3T. The rule violations for the #22 team were discovered during post-race inspection on April 25.
Bob Schacht, crew chief of the #75 team, has been fined $5,000 for violation of Sections 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12-E (reinforcement extended forward of the coil spring mounting pad). Schacht was fined an additional $2,500 for being in violation of 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12 (use of hollow bolts in truck trailing arms and panhard bar). The infractions were discovered during opening-day inspection on April 22.
Also Newt Moore, crew chief of the #05 team, was fined $2,500 after being found in violation of 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12.1B(8) (non-magnetic steel rear jacking bolts). These infractions also were found during opening-day inspection.(NASCAR PR)(4-28-2010)
NASCAR parks Leffler for retaliation on Buescher: UPDATE: Showing that a payback that ends another car’s day is unacceptable, NASCAR parked Braun Racing’s #38-Jason Leffler for retaliating against Phoenix Racing’s #1-James Buescher during the Nashville 300 at Nashville Superspeedway. The situation began shortly after the start of the race Saturday when Buescher had gotten loose underneath Leffler, and Leffler hit the wall hard on lap 43. It took more than 60 laps for Leffler’s team to repair his car, and at lap 143, Leffler ran into the side of Buescher, whose car slammed into the outside wall and briefly caught fire. After the seven laps under caution, Leffler was sent to the garage by NASCAR for the day. He finished 39th, and possibly could have finished 32nd – a difference of 21 points. Leffler didn’t totally admit that he did it on purpose. Buescher obviously thought it was intentional. And NASCAR Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash said it appeared intentional. Balash said NASCAR will take another look at the incident this week to see if there will be any further penalties.(Scene Daily)(4-4-2010)
UPDATE: NASCAR has placed Jason Leffler, driver of the #38 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, on probation for the next three NASCAR Nationwide Series events for a rule violation he committed during the race at Nashville Superspeedway on April 3. Leffler’s probation will run until April 28 of this year. Leffler was found to have violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing – aggressive driving) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book.(NASCAR PR)(4-6-2010)