DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR announced today that seven of its teams in the NASCAR Nationwide Series have been penalized due to rule violations during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.
The No. 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 NASCAR Nationwide Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.
The No. 0, No. 1, No. 14, No. 64, and No. 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 No. 0; Johnny Sauter/James Finch for the No. 1; David Gilliland/Carl Haas for the No. 14; David Stremme/Ed Rensi for the No. 64; and Cale Gale/ DeLana Harvick for the No. 77 have been penalized with the loss of 25 driver and owner championship points.
Crew chiefs Gene Allnutt (No. 0); Jon Wolfe (No. 1); Bob Edwards (No. 14); Steve Darne (No. 64); and Charlie Wilson (No. 77) have each been fined $15,000 and suspended for the next six NASCAR Nationwide Series events until April 9 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.
Additionally, Jerry Baxter, crew chief for the No. 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.
Thanks to Heather for the heads up!
Pontiac Trans am
