NASCAR Fines
Updated: 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Front Row Motorsports' appeal: On June 22, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of Front Row Motorsports regarding the #38 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. The appeal concerned two penalties issued by NASCAR stemming from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. The penalties concern 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 20-10.7J: "Unapproved modification to valve stem hardware." Originally, a total of 5 penalties were assessed for the infractions, including a deduction of 150 NSCS owner points for Doug Yates; a deduction of 150 NSCS driver points for Travis Kvapil; and a $100,000 fine, 12-race suspension, and probation for crew chief Steven Lane. Subsequently, those 3 penalties were withdrawn from the appeal, and the crew chief has begun serving his suspension. The two remaining penalties were appealed:
-suspension from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing events; suspension from NASCAR until Sept 15, 2010, and probation until December 31, 2010 for crew member, Richard Bourgeois (car chief)
-suspension from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing events; suspension from NASCAR until Sept 15, 2010, and probation until December 31, 2010 for crew member, Michael Harrold (tire specialist)
The Appellants requested and were granted a deferral of these suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened. The Appellants and team representative argued that, unbeknownst to the team management or the Appellants, valve stem caps designed to bleed air were developed by rogue elements of the team; that for some reason this hardware was mistakenly brought to the Pocono event on the team hauler; and that the caps were then accidently placed on the race car just prior to the start of the race. A small hole had been drilled in the top of each of the valve stem caps in question, and a foam material had been added to the interior of each cap. These valve stem caps were located on the left front and both rear tires of the race car upon discovery. The Panel did not find the Appellants explanation to be plausible. The Panel found the penalties to be correct for the nature of the infraction. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The periods of suspension shall be adjusted from the date of the hearing. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer. The panel who heard the appeal were: Leo Mehl, Waddell Wilson and Humpy Wheeler along with George Silbermann - Appellate Administrator and non-voting member.(NASCAR)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Front Row Motorsports to appeal penalties: The Front Row Motorsports No. 38 team. Crew chief Steve Lane was fined $100,000 and suspended for 12 weeks, along with car chief Richard Bourgeois and tire specialist Michael Harrold. Driver Travis Kvapil and car owner Doug Yates were docked 150 points each after the infractions [illegal valve stem caps] were discovered at Pocono. Team co-owner Bob Jenkins took responsibility for the "unintentional" mistake and plans to appeal the penalty. The violation was found following a rain delay in last Sunday's race. Kvapil's rear tires were almost flat, and NASCAR discovered that the valve stem caps on the tires had been altered to allow air to gradually leak out -- an act that would help the car with its speed during a long run. Though Jenkins recognizes the need to discipline the team, he believes the penalties were "excessive.""It was obvious to me, and I think to others, that there was no intent," Jenkins said. "Obviously it is a big fine and it is a lot of points. ... I understand there should be a fine, but I felt that 12-week suspensions and that level of points are pretty high." Jenkins pointed to the timing of the infraction, early in the race, as evidence the mistake was innocent. "If you look at the specifics of it, it just doesn't make sense," Jenkins said.(Associated Press)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
NASCAR likely to levy record fine against Front Row Motorsports after discovery of illegal bleeder valves: When NASCAR makes the announcement later today or tomorrow, expect the penalty to include a $250,000 fine and 300 driver and owner points for Travis Kvapil and owner Bob Jenkins. A suspension for crew chief Steven Lane will also be included. This penalty tops the sanctions handed down last season to Carl Long's team after his engine was discovered to be too large at Charlotte. No word yet on how this will affect the team's status moving forward. Expect the team to appeal the decision. (NASCAR Insiders)
Wednesay, May 12, 2010
NASCAR fines No. 7 and No. 55: NASCAR has issued penalties to the No. 7 and No. 55 teams that compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a result of rules violations last week at Darlington Raceway. The No. 7 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 required specifications); and 20-18A (unapproved additional door braces) of the 2010 NASCAR rule book. The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection on May 7. Crew chief Samuel Stanley has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Robby Gordon, both driver and owner of the No. 7 car, has been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points.
The No. 55 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4-J; and 20-10.6B (unapproved final drive gear; incorrect tooth count). The violation was discovered during post-qualifying inspection on May 7. Crew chief Zachary McGowan has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Driver Michael McDowell and owner Randy Humphrey have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points, respectively.(NASCAR)
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
NASCAR announces penalties: NASCAR has issued penalties to the No. 13, No. 47, No. 00 and No. 56 teams that compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a result of rule violations committed at Texas Motor Speedway last week. Robert "Bootie" Barker, crew chief of the No. 13 team, and Frank Kerr, crew chief of the No. 47 team, have each been fined $75,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 20-2.3A (unapproved added weight); 20-7 (all engine cooling system components must be approved by NASCAR prior to being used in competition); and 20-7.3A (radiator mount; failure to submit components) of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rule book.
Car owners Robert Germain (#13) and Tad Geschickter (#47) have each been penalized with the loss of 50 championship owner points for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-2.3A. Drivers Max Papis (#13) and Marcos Ambrose (#47) have each been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver points for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-2.3A.
Rodney Childers, crew chief of the #00 team, and Pat Tryson, crew chief of the #56 team, have each been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1; 20-7; and 20-7.3A. All of these violations occurred during post-qualifying inspection on April 16.(NASCAR)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Kyle Petty upset with NASCAR’s punishment of Carl Edwards: Kyle Petty, whose son Adam was killed at Loudon in 2000, had called on national TV for Carl Edwards’ suspension: “I am deeply saddened by the decision NASCAR made…I love this business, will always support it, but not this.” (MikeMulhern.net)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Carl Edwards placed on 3-week probation following incident: Carl Edwards has been placed on three weeks' probation by NASCAR for intentionally wrecking Brad Keselowski's car during last weekend's race at Atlanta. NASCAR president Mike Helton said Tuesday there are two separate issues: the wreck itself, and the fact that Keselowski's car went airborne. He says NASCAR is reviewing why the car left the track, and adds that NASCAR will meet with both drivers and their car owners to "clean the slate."(AP)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Carl Edwards defends on-track action on his Facebook page: On Sunday and having met with NASCAR officials at the track after being parked, Carl Edwards later wrote on his Facebook page explaining the reasoning behind his on-track antics at Atlanta. “My options,” he wrote. “Considering that Brad wrecks me with no regard for anyone’s safety or hard work, should I: A) Keep letting him wreck me? B) Confront him after the race? C) Wait till Bristol and collect other cars? or D) Take care of it now? “I want to be clear that I was surprised at his flight and very relieved when he walked away. Every person has to decide what code they want to live by and hopefully this explains mine.” (Autosport.com)
Pemberton: NASCAR unlikely to suspend Carl Edwards: NASCAR’s first take on the latest round in the long-lingering Brad Keselowski-Carl Edwards feud? And feud apparently isn’t too strong a term here, considering the carnage involved. Robin Pemberton, NASCAR’s competition director, said it will take a few days to ponder just what is going on here. “It looked like it could have been a payback,” Pemberton said of Edward’s final clip. “We talked with Carl after the race, and we have an understanding about it, and we will talk internally again as a group Monday or Tuesday this week, and make any decision if there will be any other actions we will take.” What options are at hand? Suspension, perhaps, though that has rarely been used at the Cup level, particularly when a major star like Edwards is at stake. “I’m not going to speculate at this time,” Pemberton replied. (MikeMulhern.net)
NASCAR to announce any additional penalties against Edwards on Tuesday: Brad Keselowski called for fellow Sprint Cup driver Carl Edwards to be suspended for at least one race after Edwards wrecked him Sunday in the Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. But Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition for NASCAR, said the governing body would take its time in examining all the facts before deciding what to do with Edwards, whose No. 99 Roush Fenway Ford was ordered to the garage after wrecking the No. 12 of Keselowski and sending it airborne on the frontstretch on Lap 323 of what was a scheduled 325-lap event. Pemberton and other NASCAR officials, including president Mike Helton, met with Edwards following Sunday's race -- but Pemberton said they would discuss the incident further "internally" on Monday and Tuesday before announcing any additional penalties for Edwards by late Tuesday afternoon. "It looked like it could have been a payback from the No. 99 on the No. 12," Pemberton said. The two drivers got together earlier during Sunday's race when they bumped on Lap 41 and Edwards ended up getting shoved into the No. 20 Toyota of Joey Logano, effectively ruining both of their days. Keselowski, meanwhile, drove away from that incident and went on to put together a solid run for the day while Edwards spent much of the afternoon having his car repaired in the garage. Edwards returned to the track on Lap 190 after spending 150 laps in the garage, and appeared to purposely wreck Keselowski when Keselowski appeared headed for a top-five finish. "To come back and intentionally wreck someone, that's not cool," Keselowski said. "You could have killed someone in the grandstands. I know that it's a little ironic that it's me saying that, but at least I didn't do it intentionally [when it happened at Talladega]. It will be interesting to see how NASCAR reacts to it. They have the ball. If they're going to allow people to intentionally wreck each other at tracks this fast, we will hurt someone either in the cars or in the grandstands. It's not cool to wreck someone at 195 mph." Pemberton indicated that Edwards more or less admitted in the post-race meeting with NASCAR officials that he intended to wreck Keselowski, but that he did not mean to send him airborne. Keselowski's car ended up landing upside down, nearly crushing in the driver's side of the roof, and was completely destroyed in the aftermath. Keselowski was shaken up after the wreck and needed assistance getting removed from the car, but eventually was cleared at the AMS infield care center. "Carl said he got into him; he said he didn't expect the result," Pemberton said. Earlier, Edwards spoke briefly with the media and attempted to explain his thinking. "Brad knows the deal between him and I," Edwards said. "The scary part was his car went airborne, which was not at all what I expected. At the end of the day, we're out here to race and people have to have respect for one another and I have a lot of respect for people's safety. I wish it wouldn't have gone like it did, but I'm glad he's OK and we'll just go on and race some more and maybe him and I won't get in any more incidents together. That would be the best thing." Keselowski told reporters that he believed Edwards took "three swipes" at him before connecting, and that Edwards deserves to be suspended for at least one race. He also defended what had occurred during their first incident Sunday. "He cut down on me on a restart and I lifted; I couldn't lift fast enough for him," Keselowski said. "I lifted for him to let him in, but I was there. I don't know what more you can do. "[Keep the] car low, that's what they say. So I was underneath him, tried to cut him a break. It was too late, though; he turned down. I apologized to him, but there was nothing that I could do in that situation."(NASCAR.com)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
NASCAR announces penalties against No. 1: NASCAR announced penalties for the car No. 1 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for a violation that occurred during post-race inspection last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway. The team was penalized for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (front of the car did not meet the required height specification; too low in post-race inspection). Crew chief Kevin Manion was fined $50,000 and remains on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2009. Car owner Teresa Earnhardt and driver Martin Truex Jr., were penalized with the loss of 50 championship owner and 50 championship driver points, respectively.(NASCAR PR)
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009
NASCAR announces No. 18 penalty for post race inspection: NASCAR has issued penalties to the No. 18 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a result of a rule infraction found last Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The No. 18 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8 1B (the height of the car at the left front fender did not meet the required specification; too low in post-race inspection) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book. Crew chief Steve Addington has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Driver Kyle Busch and car owner Joe Gibbs have been penalized 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points, respectively.(NASCAR PR)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
NASCAR announces No. 1 and Truex penalties: NASCAR announced that Martin Truex Jr., driver of the No. 1 Chevy in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, crew chief Kevin Manion and car owner Teresa Earnhardt have been penalized for rule violations during last weekend’s event at Chicagoland Speedway. Truex was penalized 25 points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver standings. Manion was fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2009. Earnhardt was penalized 25 points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner standings. The three were penalized for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); Section 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and Section 20-12.8.1C (right rear quarter panel height did not meet the required specifications; too high in post-race inspection).(NASCAR)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Long's penalty reduced; fine stands: Sprint Cup driver Carl Long had his 12-race suspension reduced to eight, but his record $200,000 fine remained after a final appeal to NASCAR Stock Car Racing commissioner Charles Strang. Strang heard Long's appeal, which was denied two weeks ago by the stock car commission, on Monday in Chicago. "The simple part of it means NASCAR don't care who you are or what your circumstances are," Long told ESPN.com. Long said he doesn't know how he will pay the fine. "I suppose I will stand in front of the racetrack with my helmet and beg for change," he said. More than $16,000 has been donated to Long's cause on his site. "That's still a long way from $200,000," Long said.(ESPN.com)
Monday, June 15, 2009
Carl Long will make final appeal today: On Monday, June 15th, Carl Long will present his second and final appeal to National Stock Car Racing Commissioner, Charles Strang, regarding the penalties his team received. Long was penalized for having an illegal engine during the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway last month. The 12-race suspension, 200-point penalty and $200,000 fine are NASCAR records. The hearing will begin at 2 PM Eastern.(Carl-Long.com)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Long "I've lost all faith in the appeal system": Statement from Carl Long Following the Appeal --- " I am very disappointed in NASCAR's decision. I am not arguing that the size NASCAR measured is big. Ernie Elliott says this happened because of distortion from heat. Allow me the .17 for expansion or show me metallurgy that states how much a block can change at extreme temperatures. Then take this hole in the rules and make engine companies sign the inspection sheet and take responsibility. Fix the rule! Engine builders can argue with NASCAR and their engineers instead of leaving drivers, owners, and crew chiefs to explain properties of cast iron, nickel, and the growth due to heat. We have the option to appeal to the national board in Daytona. I am trying to overcome my emotions versus the facts. After today's hearing, I have lost all faith in the way the appeal system works.(Carl-long.com)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Long losses appeal; Upset with NASCAR: As the realization that the National Stock Car Commission on Tuesday upheld the record 200-point, $200,000 penalty against him sunk in, Carl Long became increasingly frustrated. Frustration turned to anger. In minutes, he was livid. "Big Bill [France, NASCAR founder] and Bill Jr. ruled the sport like a father -- at the end of the day they took care of their family," Long said. "These guys don't care. They don't have any heart. Basically, it seems like they don't care about the sport, they just want to make a dollar. "I truly have a sour taste of the management in our sport. They've forgotten the roots of how this sport was created, and who are the people buying the tickets, sitting in the stands. The people in the stands are me." Multiple calls to NASCAR for comment were not immediately returned.(ESPN.com)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Robby Gordon docked 50 driver/owner points: NASCAR has issued penalties to the No. 7 team that competes in the Sprint Cup Series as a result of rules violations committed at Lowe’s Motor Speedway earlier this week. The No. 7 Toyota, driven and owned by Robby Gordon, was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4I (any determination by NASCAR Officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-10.6H (rear axle housing exceeded the maximum specified toe of plus or minus one degree) of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book. The violation was found during post-race inspection on May 25. As a result, Gordon has been penalized with the loss of 50 championship owner and 50 championship driver points. Crew chief Kirk Almquist has been fined $50,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Carl Long appeal set for June 2nd: Carl Long says his appeal is scheduled for June 2, the Tuesday after Dover. Long is appealing the NASCAR penalty for the oversized engine in his car last week. NASCAR fined his crew chief $200,000 and suspended Long and his wife (listed as the owner) for 12 events. Long says his engine size was 358.17 cubic inches. The limit is 358.0, although supposedly NASCAR allows up to 358.09 cubic inches.(Virginian Pilot)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Carl Long and Crew Chief suspended, Crew Chief fined 200k for improper engine size: Associated Press is reporting... NASCAR has suspended driver Carl Long for the next 12 Sprint Cup races and fined crew chief Charles Swing $200,000, the largest penalty in the sport's history. Swing also was suspended until Aug. 18 for using an engine that was too big for NASCAR's specifications last weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Long was docked a NASCAR-record 200 points. Additionally, Swing and Long were placed on probation until Dec. 31. (Associated Press)
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Jeremy Mayfield and others suspended by NASCAR: Jeremy Mayfield, driver of the No. 41 Toyota in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, Tony Martin, a licensed crew member with the No. 34 team in the Sprint Cup Series and Ben Williams, a licensed crew member with the No. 16 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy. All three were found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 7-5 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book.](NASCAR PR)
Monday, April 27, 2009
NASCAR: Keselowski was within rules: NASCAR officials ruled that Brad Keselowski's Talladega victory was legitimate despite his crash with Carl Edwards on the last lap of the race. NASCAR's vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said that even despite the wild finish and Edwards' massive crash, Keselowski drove by the rulebook while making the decisive move that gave him the victory. "It's just the way it works sometimes," Pemberton told AUTOSPORT. "Brad did a good job, he did what he had to do and he didn't go below the yellow line and they just ran out of racing room between him and the #99 (Edwards). "You're coming on the chequered (flag) on this stuff so there's no give or take. That is all gone by then and it's for the drivers to work it out and you know, they're all trying to win the race. Sometimes you have things like this happen." (Autosport.com)
Sunday, April 26, 2009
R. Gordon's & R. Sorenson qualifying times disallowed: Driving the No. 43 Dodge for Richard Petty Motorsports, Sorenson posted a top qualifying lap speed of 185.902 miles per hour, which would have placed him 35th on the starting grid for the Aaron's 499 this Sunday. Driving the No. 7 Toyota for his own race operation, Robby Gordon Motorsports, Gordon was even slower. He posted a top qualifying lap speed of 185.323 mph that would have placed him 40th on the starting grid. Both cars were ruled to have been too low in post-qualifying inspection by NASCAR officials. They will now have to start at the rear of Sunday's 43-car field. (NASCAR.com)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
NASCAR places Earnhardt, Mears on probation: NASCAR announced today that it has placed Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Casey Mears on probation for the next six races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of their on-track incident last Saturday at the conclusion of the race at Phoenix International Raceway. Earnhardt, driver of the No. 88 team and Mears, driver of the No. 07 team, both violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; hitting another competitor’s car after the race had concluded) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book. The probation takes effect beginning with this weekend’s event at Talladega Superspeedway. (NASCAR PR)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
No. 47 Crew member 4 race suspension; Ambrose OK with suspension: Marcos Ambrose believes NASCAR was fair in levying a four-race suspension against a team member who chased a tire across pit road at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Jimmy Watts, the gas man for Ambrose's crew, begins his suspension with Sunday's race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Watts was also placed on probation through the end of the year, as was crew chief Frank Kerr, who NASCAR deemed responsible for the actions of the team. "It was a disaster and I think the penalty is a good one," Ambrose said Wednesday during a break in Goodyear tire testing at Lowe's Motor Speedway. (ThatsRacin.com)
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