About Karen Pistone

Founder and Editor for Racingal.com. I search for information that I wanted about my driver and what was happening leading up to and during race weekend as well as behind the scenes. Once I found what I was looking for, I thought I would share with my fellow race fans. Racingal.com has become my focus & achievement throughout the years and I can only make it better from here on out!! I will post anything if it has to do with all three NASCAR Racing Series'.

NASCAR Nationwide Series Crew Chief fined; Crew Chief, Car Chief placed on probation for infractions at Darlington Raceway

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Karen Pistone

NASCAR announced that NASCAR Nationwide Series crew chief Adam Stevens (No. 54 team) has been fined and placed on probation for violations during this past weekend’s event at Darlington Raceway. In addition, the team’s car chief Christopher Landis has been placed on probation for the remainder of the year.

Stevens has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Landis has likewise been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

The rules violations referred to Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20-A of the rule book); 20A-2.1E (streamlining of the contours of the car, beyond what is approved by the series director will not be permitted. Installation of air directional devices, underpans, baffles, shields or the like beneath the car or the car’s hood and fender area, front firewall, floor, rear firewall area, rear deck and quarter panel area will not be permitted. If, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted. Addition of body fillers of any type, to the underside of the body, chassis or suspension components will not be permitted. All cars must remain standard in appearance); 20A-3.10A (front upper bumper cover must be from the respective OEM manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. The front lower bumper cover and rear bumper cover must be from an approved manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. Once approved, the front lower bumper covers may be used on all approved models. NASCAR officials may use bumper covers provided by the respective manufacturer as a guide in determining whether a competitor’s bumper cover conforms to the specifications of the NASCAR rule book. Unless otherwise authorized by the series director, cutting and reshaping of bumper covers will not be permitted.)

The infractions were discovered during opening day inspection on May 9.

NASCAR PR

National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer’s statement regarding second appeal from Penske Racing

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Karen Pistone

On May 7, 2013 the Chief Appellate Officer heard and considered the appeal of the penalties from the No. 2 and No. 22 Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams. These penalties stemmed from pre-race inspection for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Texas Motor Speedway April 13.

The penalties concern Sections 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing; 12-4J: Any determination by NASCAR Officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to the NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR rule book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event; and

20-12: All suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted in a completed form/assembly to the office of the NASCAR competition administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond component normal rotation or suspension travel.

The original penalties assessed to the No. 2 team were:

* Crew chief (Paul Wolfe): $100,000 fine; suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race); placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;

* Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and competition director Travis Geisler (serves as competition director for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars): Suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race); placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;

* Car owner Roger Penske: Loss of 25 championship owner points;

* Driver Brad Keselowski: Loss of 25 championship driver points.

The original penalties assessed to the No. 22 team were:

* Crew chief (Todd Gordon): $100,000 fine; suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race); placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;

* Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley: Suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race); placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31;

* Car owner Walt Czarnecki: Loss of 25 championship owner points;

* Driver Joey Logano: Loss of 25 championship driver points.

The results of the Chief Appellate Officer hearing were:

- Upholding the fines and points penalties that were originally assessed.

- Reducing the suspensions of the seven team members from six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race) to two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (plus the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race).

The seven team members in question will be suspended for the next three upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekends at Darlington Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. They will return for the race weekend at Dover International Speedway. They remain on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

“After looking at all the facts and data and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties,” said John Middlebrook, Chief Appellate Officer. “However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the all-star race to two points races and the all-star race.” – John Middlebrook, Chief Appellate Officer

NASCAR driver appearances/autograph sessions for ‘Dega

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Karen Pistone

Thursday, May 2
Joey Logano
11:30 am
Wal-Mart
214 Haynes St.
Talladega, Ala.

Friday, May 3
Blake Koch, Robert Richardson, Jr, Johanna Long, Jamie Dick, Jeffrey Earnhardt, Travis Pastrana, Regan Smith, Parker Kligerman and Nelson Piquet
1:45 to 2:30 PM
Autograph session at Talladega Superspeedway. The autograph session will be held on the concourse area behind the OV Hill South grandstand sections D & E. Wristbands for the autograph session can be picked up for free from the Guest Services Office located at OV Hill South Grandstand, Section L. Driver participation is subject to change and without notice.

Donnie Allison
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Allison will be signing copies of his book, “Donnie Allison & As I Recall.”
International Motorsports Hall of Fame (adjacent to Talladega Superspeedway)

Team Chevy Stage
1:45 p.m.
Austin Dillon, Ty Dillon and Brian Scott
Richard Childress Racing

Elliott Sadler
4:30 p.m.
One Main Financial
704 A Battle Street East
Talladega, Alabama 35160

Rusty Wallace
6:30 p.m.
Miller Lite Infield Bar for “Champions Toast”
Talladega Superspeedway
Wallace will appear for a Q&A session and a toast.

Brad Keselowski
6:30 p.m.
Wal-Mart
165 Vaughn Lane
Pell City, Ala.

Brad Keselowski
7:45 p.m.
Miller Lite Infield Bar for “Champions Toast”
Talladega Superspeedway

Saturday, May 4
Michael Waltrip
9:30 a.m.
Signing autographs at the MWR merchandise trailer at Talladega Superspeedway.

Team Chevy Stage (Talladega Superspeedway)
Danica Patrick
10:00 a.m.
Q & A
Sunday, May 5
Michael Waltrip
9:25 a.m.
Aaron’s display in the sponsor midway at Talladega Superspeedway

Jamie McMurray
8:30 a.m.
Followed by an autograph session with the No. 1 Chevrolet SS pit crew at 8:45 a.m.

Kevin Harvick
10:20 AM
The Sprint Unlimited Experience at Talladega Superspeedway
Miss Sprint Cup will conduct the Q&A with Harvick

Danica Patrick to tour, award “Coke Zero Tailgate Champion” to best decorated campsite at ‘Dega

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Karen Pistone

Race fans! Have you heard the buzz? It’s time to get creative and dress up your campsite! Talladega Superspeedway is ready to start a new tradition and to show other tracks how to to party the right way!

After spending time on Talladega Boulevard last year during her first trip to the 2.66-mile track, Patrick saw it to be “party central” for fans that featured fun, music, dancing, food, beverages and the most unique display of colorful creativity when it came to the décor of each campsite.

Plans are for Danica to award the “Coke Zero Tailgate Champion” trophy Saturday afternoon, at some point following the conclusion of the Aaron’s 312 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.

FREE camping at Talladega Superspeedway. Photo by Sandi Goodall/Racingal.com

The most notorious strip of real estate in NASCAR, Talladega Boulevard, is an innovative corridor like no other and has been a mainstay in NASCAR circles since the track was built in 1969. The Mardi Gras-type atmosphere of The Boulevard, complete with strings of beads and shenanigans, is a NASCAR tradition that separates Talladega from other venues. It truly is a sight to behold how tents, RVs, trucks and trailers, with an abundance of ingenuity and creativity, can liven up a large crowd of people.

Racing returns to Talladega Superspeedway for the May 3-5 Aaron’s Dream Weekend. Secure your tickets at www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or by calling 877-Go2-DEGA. This is more than a race…This is Talladega!

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team penalized following race at Kansas Speedway

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Karen Pistone

NASCAR announced today penalties and fines to the No. 98 team (Johnny Sauter) that competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, as a result of rule infractions at Kansas Speedway.

The No. 98 truck was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4K (if in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, race equipment that has been previously verified or previously approved and/or sealed by NASCAR for use in an event, pursuant to sub-section 8-6 and/or 8-12, has been altered, modified, repaired, or changed in any manner); 20B-16 (once a fuel cell or fuel cell components have been certified, modifications of any kind will not be permitted to the fuel cell or fuel cell components); and 20B-16.1B (standard black, safety foam with minimum free-standing height of eight (8) inches, acceptable to NASCAR Officials, and used as provided by an approved fuel cell manufacturer, must be used: Fuel cell safety foam modification.) of the 2013 rule book.

As a result of this violation, crew chief Joel Shear has been fined $10,000 and suspended from NASCAR competition until the completion of the next four (4) NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events. He has been placed on NASCAR probation until December 31. The team has also been docked 25 championship driver (Johnny Sauter) and 25 championship owner (Mike Curb) points.

The violations involving the No. 98 truck occurred in opening day inspection.

NASCAR PR

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series hands down big penalties to No. 20 team for failed post-race engine inspection

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Karen Pistone

Matt Kenseth, driver of the #20 The Home Depot/Husky Toyota, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series STP 400 at Kansas Speedway (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Penalties have been handed down to the No. 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team as a result of rule violations discovered in the post-race engine inspection April 23 at the NASCAR Research and Development Center.

The No. 20 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-5.5.3 (E) (Only magnetic steel connecting rods with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted; connecting rod failed to meet the minimum connecting rod weight) of the 2013 rule book.

As a result of this violation, NASCAR has assessed the following penalties:

· Crew chief Jason Ratcliff has been fined $200,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (a period of time that also includes the non-points NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

· Car owner Joe Gibbs has lost 50 championship car owner points; the first place finish from April 21 at Kansas Speedway will not earn bonus points toward the accumulated aggregate car owner points total after the completion of the first 26 events of the current season and will not be credited towards the eligibility for a car owner Wild Card position; has had the owner’s license for the No. 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car suspended until the completion of the next six championship points events, therefore being ineligible to receive championship car owner points during that period of time.

· Driver Matt Kenseth has lost 50 championship driver points; the Coors Light Pole award from April 19 at Kansas Speedway will not be allowed for eligibility into the 2014 Sprint Unlimited; the first place finish from April 21 at Kansas Speedway will not earn bonus points toward the accumulated aggregate driver points total after the completion of the first 26 events of the current season and will not be credited towards the eligibility for a driver Wild Card position.

· The loss of five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturer Championship points.

NASCAR PR

NASCAR announces Sprint Cup group qualifying for road courses

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Karen Pistone

NASCAR 4C(PRT)

NASCAR announced today that the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will implement the group-based road course qualifying procedure used in NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Touring Series competition during its road-course events at Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International. Under the new procedure, cars will qualify in groups instead of the traditional single-car qualifying runs held on oval race tracks.

The new qualifying rules for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at road courses are as follows:

·      Cars attempting to qualify will be divided into groups. The number of groups, and amount of cars in each, will depend on the number of cars that practice for the event.
·      Group assignments will be based on final practice times.
·      Each qualifying group will be on-track for a set period of time, determined by the Series Director.
·      A car’s best lap time during the group session will be the qualifying lap time of record.
·      A group’s time begins when the first car receives the green flag at the start/finish line.

The new format will debut with the Toyota Save-Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 23 and will return at Watkins Glen for the Cheez-ItTM 355 at the Glen on August 11.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver statistical advance: Kansas Speedway

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Karen Pistone

Kansas Speedway Data

Season Race #: 8 of 36

Track Size: 1.5-miles

Banking/Turns 1 & 2: 17-20 degrees

Banking/Turns 3 & 4: 17-20 degrees

Banking/Frontstretch: 10 degrees

Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees

Frontstretch Length: 2,685 feet

Backstretch Length: 2,207 feet

Race Length: 267 laps / 400 miles

NASCAR Pre-Race: Fox – 12:30pm/et
Television Race Coverage: Fox, 1:00pm/et
Scheduled Green Flag (approx): 1:16pm/et

Race Festivities/Officials:
Grand Marshal: Richard Petty
Command to start engines: Richard Petty
Honorary Officials: Kansas City Chiefs Jeff Allen, Don Stephenson
National Anthem: Season Two X Factor winner Tate Stevens

Qualifying/Race Data

2012 pole winner: AJ Allmendinger, Dodge, 175.993 mph, 30.683 secs. 04-20-12

2012 race winner: Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 144.122 mph, (02:46:44), 04-22-12

Track qualifying record: Kasey Kahne, Chevrolet, 191.360 mph, 28.219 secs. 10-21-12

Track race record: Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 144.122 mph, (02:46:44), 04-22-12

Greg Biffle (No. 16 ACE Brand Ford)

· Two wins, seven top fives, nine top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 9.5

· Average Running Position of 7.6, second-best

· Driver Rating of 113.0, second-best

· 202 Fastest Laps Run, second-most

· 650 Green Flag Passes, 13th-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.872 mph, second-fastest

· Series-high 2,354 Laps in the Top 15 (89.9%)

· 435 Quality Passes (passes of cars in the top 15 under green), second-most

Clint Bowyer (No. 15 5-Hour Energy Toyota)

· One top five, four top 10s

· Average finish of 14.0

· Driver Rating of 88.9, 13th-best

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.196 mph, 12th-fastest

Carl Edwards (No. 99 Aflac Ford)

· Four top fives, eight top 10s

· Average finish of 10.8

· Average Running Position of 13.0, eighth-best

· Driver Rating of 95.1, sixth-best

· 115 Fastest Laps Run, fifth-most

· 723 Green Flag Passes, fifth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.343 mph, eighth-fastest

· 1,740 Laps in the Top 15 (66.5%), ninth-most

· 407 Quality Passes, fourth-most

Jeff Gordon (No. 24 Drive To End Hunger Chevrolet)

· Two wins, eight top fives, 10 top 10s

· Average finish of 11.0

· Average Running Position of 8.9, third-best

· Driver Rating of 101.5, fourth-best

· 99 Fastest Laps Run, ninth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.720 mph, third-fastest

· 2,331 Laps in the Top 15 (89.0%), third-most

· 416 Quality Passes, third-most

Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Bad Boy Buggies Chevrolet)

· One top five, six top 10s

· Average finish of 12.9

· Average Running Position of 13.2, ninth-best

· Driver Rating of 90.6, eighth-best

· 79 Fastest Laps Run, 10th-most

· Series-high 782 Green Flag Passes

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.199 mph, 11th-fastest

· 1,754 Laps in the Top 15 (67.0%), seventh-most

· 358 Quality Passes, eighth-most

Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s / KOBALT Tools Chevrolet)

· Two wins, five top fives, 11 top 10s; three poles

· Average finish of 8.0

· Series-best Average Running Position of 7.2

· Series-best Driver Rating of 119.5

· Series-high 403 Fastest Laps Run

· 703 Green Flag Passes, ninth-most

· Series-best Average Green Flag Speed of 164.270 mph

· 2,335 Laps in the Top 15 (89.2%), second-most

· Series-high 453 Quality Passes

Kasey Kahne (No. 5 Farmers Insurance 85th Anniversary Chevrolet)

· Two top fives, five top 10s; three poles

· Average finish of 15.0

· Average Running Position of 14.3, 12th-best

· Driver Rating of 89.8, 11th-best

· 108 Fastest Laps Run, seventh-most

· 725 Green Flag Passes, fourth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.230 mph, 10th-fastest

· 1,651 Laps in the Top 15 (63.1%), 10th-most

· 338 Quality Passes, 10th-most

Matt Kenseth (No. 20 The Home Depot / Husky Toyota)

· One win, five top fives, eight top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 15.8

· Average Running Position of 10.1, fourth-best

· Driver Rating of 106.4, third-best

· 169 Fastest Laps Run, third-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.528 mph, fifth-fastest

· 2,104 Laps in the Top 15 (80.4%), fourth-most

· 353 Quality Passes, ninth-most

Brad Keselowski (No. 2 Miller Lite Ford)

· One win, two top fives, three top 10s

· Average finish of 9.8

· Average Running Position of 12.8, seventh-best

· Driver Rating of 90.1, 10th-best

Mark Martin (No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota)

· One win, two top fives, five top 10s; one pole

· Average finish of 15.3

· Average Running Position of 12.4, sixth-best

· Driver Rating of 91.3, seventh-best

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.190 mph, 13th-fastest

· 1,777 Laps in the Top 15 (67.9%), sixth-most

· 289 Quality Passes, 13th-most

Tony Stewart (No. 14 Bass Pro Shops / Mobil 1 Chevrolet)

· Two wins, six top fives, nine top 10s

· Average finish of 11.7

· Average Running Position of 10.4, fifth-best

· Driver Rating of 100.8, fifth-best

· 137 Fastest Laps Run, fourth-most

· 668 Green Flag Passes, 11th-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.537 mph, fourth-fastest

· 1,951 Laps in the Top 15 (74.5%), fifth-most

· 390 Quality Passes, fifth-most

Martin Truex Jr. (No. 56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota)

· Two top fives, two top 10s

· Average finish of 20.9

· Average Running Position of 13.8, 10th-best

· Driver Rating of 90.5, ninth-best

· 104 Fastest Laps Run, eighth-most

· Average Green Flag Speed of 163.378 mph, sixth-fastest

· 1,464 Laps in the Top 15 (62.3%), 13th-most

Chase Contenders

The Top 12 Following Race 7 of 36

Driver	Points	Wins	Poles	Week	Rating
1. Jimmie Johnson	269	2	1	1	115.5
2. Brad Keselowski	260	0	0	2	100.2
3. Kyle Busch	251	2	2	4	113.0
4. Greg Biffle	239	0	0	6	89.9
5. Carl Edwards	234	1	0	7	88.6
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr.	234	0	0	3	97.7
7. Kasey Kahne	232	1	0	5	103.3
8. Clint Bowyer	208	0	0	8	90.9
9. Joey Logano	207	0	0	11	89.6
10. Paul Menard	206	0	0	9	79.0
11. Matt Kenseth	204	1	0	10	109.7
12. Kevin Harvick	192	0	0	14	92.5

Did You Know?

There has been one NSCS race resulting with a green-white-checkered finish at Kansas Speedway: fall of 2011
Youngest Kansas winner: Ryan Newman (10/05/2003 – 25 years, 9 months, 27 days).
Oldest Kansas winner: Mark Martin (10/09/2005 – 46 years, 9 months, 0 days).
The deepest in the field that a race winner has started at Kansas Speedway was 25th, by Brad Keselowski in the spring of 2011
Eight of the 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup races at Kansas Speedway have been won from a top-10 starting position.

Source: NASCAR Media

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Ron Hornaday Jr. penalized

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Karen Pistone

(April 17, 2013) – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Ron Hornaday Jr. has been penalized by NASCAR following his involvement in an on-track incident last Sunday at Rockingham Speedway.

Hornaday Jr., driver of the No. 9 truck, was found to have violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing. Altercation with another competitor on the race track during a caution period) of the 2013 rule book.

As a result of this violation, Hornaday Jr. has been fined $25,000, docked 25 championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation until June 12.

Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams penalized after Texas

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Karen Pistone

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2013) – Penalties have been handed down to three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams following last Saturday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway.

The No. 56 car was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (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 car failed to meet the minimum front car heights during post-race inspection) of the 2013 rule book.

As a result of this violation, crew chief Chad Johnston has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until June 5. The team has also been docked six championship driver (Martin Truex Jr.) and six championship owner (Michael Waltrip) points.

The No. 2 and No. 22 cars have also been penalized. Both cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4J and 20-12 (all suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted, in a completed form/assembly, to the office of the NASCAR Competition Administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond normal rotation or suspension travel.)

As a result of this violation and as it pertains to the No. 2 car the following penalties have been assessed:

·         Crew chief Paul Wolfe has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
·         Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars) have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
·         The loss of 25 championship driver (Brad Keselowski) and 25 championship owner (Roger Penske) points.

As it pertains to the No. 22 car the following penalties have been assessed:

·         Crew chief Todd Gordon has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
·         Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
·         The loss of 25 championship driver (Joey Logano) and 25 championship owner (Walt Czarnecki) points.

——————-STATEMENT FROM MICHAEL WALTRIP RACING——————–

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 17

The following statement is in response to Wednesday’s penalty issued by NASCAR to Michael Waltrip Racing.

“Michael Waltrip Racing is sensitive to working within the guidelines of NASCAR policy. This infraction clearly occurred as a result of a malfunction caused by race conditions. Therefore, we will not appeal. We thank NASCAR for providing a fair and equitable platform for all of its competitors and respect its decisions.”

——————-STATEMENT FROM PENSKE RACING——————–

“Penske Racing received communication today from NASCAR regarding penalties they have issued against the #2 and #22 teams. Penske Racing will appeal utilizing the appropriate NASCAR process. We have no further comment at this time.”

While earlier Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway, Brad Keselowski had a few choice of words after NASCAR confiscated rear-end housing parts and pieces from their cars during prerace inspection: “I have one good thing to say,” Keselowski said. “That’s my team and effort they put in today in fighting back with the absolute bull that’s been the last seven days in this garage area. The things I’ve seen over the last seven days have me questioning everything that I believe in, and I’m not happy about it. I don’t have anything positive to say and I probably should just leave it at that.” With major penalties stemming in the near future, the Keselowski remarked: “There’s so much stuff going on … you have no f—— idea what’s going on,” he said. “And that’s not your fault and that’s not a slam on you. I could tell you there’s nobody, no team in this garage with the integrity of the 2 team. And the way we’ve been treated over the last seven days is absolutely shameful. I feel like we’ve been targeted over the last seven days more than I’ve ever seen a team targeted. But my guys kept their heads on straight and they showcased why they are a winning team and championship team. We’re not going to take it. We’re not going to be treated this way.”

Logano started in the back, but finished fifth. Keselowski finished ninth.

NASCAR Chairman Brian France said Keselowski would not be fined for his comments Saturday night. France said he disagrees with everything Keselowski said, but understands that he was blowing off steam.

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NASCAR Nationwide Series Crew Chief fined; Crew Chief, Car Chief placed on probation for infractions at Darlington Raceway

National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer’s statement regarding second appeal from Penske Racing

NASCAR driver appearances/autograph sessions for ‘Dega

Danica Patrick to tour, award “Coke Zero Tailgate Champion” to best decorated campsite at ‘Dega

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team penalized following race at Kansas Speedway

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series hands down big penalties to No. 20 team for failed post-race engine inspection

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver statistical advance: Kansas Speedway

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver Ron Hornaday Jr. penalized

Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams penalized after Texas