Category Archives: Someones in trouble

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

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NASCAR 4C(PRT)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

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Screen Shot 2013-05-07 at 9.25.06 PMOn 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 Sprint Cup Series hands down big penalties to No. 20 team for failed post-race engine inspection

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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)

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 Camping World Truck Series Driver Ron Hornaday Jr. penalized

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NASCAR 4C(PRT)

(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

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NASCAR 4C(PRT)

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.

 

 

Hendrick Motorsports releases statement

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS STATEMENT

CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 12, 2012) – Hendrick Motorsports will not appeal sanctions announced today by NASCAR regarding the No. 24 Sprint Cup Series team and driver Jeff Gordon.

“I’ve always respected Jeff for standing his ground,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “We also respect that NASCAR needs to police the sport and send a message when situations like this occur. It’s been a great year, and we’re going to put our focus on finishing in a positive way this weekend.”

“I take responsibility for my actions on the racetrack,” Gordon said. “I accept NASCAR’s decision and look forward to ending the season on a high note at Homestead.”

NASCAR issues penalties from Sunday’s event at Phoenix International Raceway

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NASCAR announced today penalties to three teams that compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions at Phoenix International Raceway.

Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 car, was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) – altercation with another competitor on the race track during the race – and has been fined $100,000, docked 25 championship driver points and put on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Rick Hendrick, owner of the No. 24 car, has also been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points. Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 24 car, also was found to be in violation of Section 9-4A (at all events, crew chief assumes responsibility of his driver, car owner and team members) and has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

Brian Pattie, crew chief of the No. 15 car, violated Sections 12-1 and 9-4A and has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.

Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 2 car, has been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-6.7A (cars and drivers will not be permitted to carry onboard computers, automated electronic recording devices, electronically actuated devices, power distribution modules, power conditioners, micro-processors, recording devices, electronic digital memory chips, traction control devices, digital readout gauges and the like, even if inoperable or incomplete) – driver had a cell phone in his possession onboard the race car.

All of these violations occurred during the Nov. 11 event at PIR.

Statement From Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2012) – “Following a thorough analysis of the actions that took place during Sunday’s race at Phoenix International Raceway, we have issued penalties based upon our review. The decisions announced today cover NASCAR’s full assessment of penalties for the incidents that occurred.

“There’s no doubt that a unique set of circumstances combined with a championship battle on the line resulted in raw emotions coming into play. We consider the penalties appropriate and those involved understand our decision and we expect them to abide by them.”

Michael Waltrip Racing statement regarding PIR incident

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 MWR PRESS RELEASE

STATEMENT

“The goal of Michael Waltrip Racing is to be a championship-level organization both on and off the track. The on-track incident which occurred during Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway was extremely disappointing and brought raw emotions of a long and hard championship battle to the surface. Though we generally cannot control certain actions on the track, the unfortunate reactions off the track Sunday did not live up to the professional standards in which Michael Waltrip Racing expects all of its representatives to live by. We commit to our sponsors, our manufacturer, our fans and NASCAR that we will do so in the future.”

Gordon/Bowyer melee at Phoenix International Raceway has championship waylay

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Photo by Getty Images

Yes. I saw it.

It was the AdvoCare 500, lap 311 of 312 laps, when Jeff Gordon squeezed Clint Bowyer, who attempted to go low and then all hell broke loose – that is, on track and shortly following – off track – in the garage area at Phoenix International Raceway.

WATCH VIDEO:

An unregretful Jeff Gordon had wrecked title contender Clint Bowyer collecting other cars in the process – those of of Joey Logano and Aric Almirola in the process.

I heard the play-by-play calls by spotters – who had the best view of everyone – explaining it to drivers during the 15 minute red flag when crewman from Gordon’s and Bowyer’s teams started fighting in the garage – also collecting a few NASCAR Officials. Bowyer had excused himself from his parked car on pit road and ran through the garage area attempting to get to Gordon’s transporter after his spotter had reported “Gordon is waiting for you,” but was restrained by Hendrick crew members when he reached the destination.

The way Gordon saw it, wrecking Bowyer was justified retaliation for a litany of sins that have occurred this season, including contact between the two cars that sent Gordon into the Turn 3 wall a few laps before he exacted his revenge.

“Things just got escalated over the year, and I’d had it,” said Gordon. “Clint has run into me numerous times, wrecked me, and he got into me on the back straightaway and pretty much ruined our day.

“I’ve had it — fed up with it — and I got him back.”

There. Gordon said it himself. REVENGE.

Clint Bowyer (L), driver of the #15 5-hour Energy Toyota, talks with crew chief Brian Pattie on pit road during the red flag at Phoenix. Photo by Getty Images.

Bowyer said he wasn’t trying to hit Gordon’s Chevrolet. “All I was doing was riding around, biding my time,” Bowyer said after the meeting with Gordon and NASCAR to the media. “It’s pretty embarrassing for a four-time champion — and what I consider one of the best this sport’s ever seen — to act like that. It’s just completely ridiculous.”

Bowyer pretty much had a solid run all day, possibly looking at a top-five finish at PIR. Bowyer now finds himself completely out of the Chase, 52 points behind the new leader, Brad Keselowski, with his 28th-place finish. While both were Chase drivers, Bowyer still had a chance for the title before he was wrecked. Gordon’s move of retaliation also caused other drivers to wreck, hence falling under the “detrimental actions to cause harm to others on track” which NASCAR takes very seriously. NASCAR Championship Point Standings.

Police break up brawl after Gordon – Bowyer incident in garage area. Photo by Getty Images.

NASCAR should suspend Jeff Gordon, as well as crew members from BOTH Gordon and Bowyer’s crew, from the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. As a reminder, and also to be fair, NASCAR had suspended Kyle Busch for retaliation costing Ron Hornaday, Jr. his championship run in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Texas Motor Speedway last year.

As for NASCAR not throwing the yellow flag sooner right after Danica Patrick hit the wall, putting down oil all over the track: NASCAR VP of Competition Robin Pemberton said “We didn’t see any fluid or anything, she rode around on the apron, and when she pulled up on the track, there was smoke, it looked like tire smoke. It’s easy to look back on it obviously and wish that you did something different, but but at the time it didn’t appear like there was any fluid that was coming out of the car.”

Both drivers were summoned to the NASCAR hauler, where they met with officials of the sanctioning body. Gordon, who slid four places to 10th in the Chase, said he wasn’t worried about resulting penalties. So whatever actions NASCAR will take with regard to the on and off track incidents could be announced by Monday or Tuesday, according to Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition.

“Oh, so busted!” NSCS No. 27 RCR team issued fines, suspensions, penalties

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 22, 2012) – NASCAR has issued penalties, suspensions and fines to the No. 27 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as a result of rules infractions discovered this week during post-race inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center following last Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway.

The No. 27 team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4K (race equipment that has been previously certified or previously approved by NASCAR for use in an event, pursuant to sub-section 8-12, has been altered, modified, repaired or changed in any manner. Intentionally modifying frame rails for the purpose of deceiving NASCAR’s inspection gauges) of the 2012 NASCAR Rule Book.

As a result, crew chief Slugger Labbe has been fined $100,000, suspended from NASCAR until Oct. 3 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Car chief Craig Smokstad has been suspended from NASCAR until Oct. 3 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, while crew member Grant Hutchens has also been suspended from NASCAR until Oct. 3 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. Driver Paul Menard and owner Richard Childress have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver and owner points, respectively.