Carl Edwards, winner of this past Sunday’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Dover International Speedway, has been penalized 25 driver championship points due to rule violations found in post-race inspection.
The loss of points dropped Edwards from third in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup standings to sixth, 28 points behind leader Jeff Gordon.
The No. 99 Ford driven by Edwards was found to be too low in the right rear area, which violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1C (failed to meet minimum rear car heights) of NASCAR Car of Tomorrow Technical Bulletin #3 dated April 10, 2007.
In addition, those infractions have resulted in a $25,000 fine for Edwards’ crew chief Bob Osborne, plus a penalty of 25 car owner championship points for Roush Fenway Racing. Osborne also has been placed on probation until Dec. 31.
REVISED Standings – Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup
1. Jeff Gordon 5,340
2. Tony Stewart 5,338
3. Jimmie Johnson 5,336
4. Kyle Busch 5,330
5. Clint Bowyer 5,322
6. Carl Edwards 5,312 (drops from third place)
7. Martin Truex Jr. 5,294
8. Jeff Burton 5,265
9. Kevin Harvick 5,225
10. Matt Kenseth 5,224
11. Kurt Busch 5,189
I am surprised that NASCAR penalized them points. What is so difficult is not knowing if this was due to hard racing, congratulationary (sp?) bumps or what? Sometimes when penalities happen, I really wish that NASCAR would give out more information. Just like debris, NASCAR should prove it to the fans what happened.