Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick is deciding whether to appeal NASCAR’s penalties and suspensions of crew chiefs Chad Knaus and Steve Letarte. “We are disappointed in NASCAR’s decision and feel the penalties are excessive,” Hendrick said. “Right now, all of our options are being evaluated, including out personnel situation and a possible appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commission.”
NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 24 and No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Both cars - the No. 24 driven by Jeff Gordon and the No. 48 driven by Jimmie Johnson - were 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 do not conform to NASCAR rules); 20-2.1E (parts or components of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that have been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance will not be permitted); and 20-2H (fenders may not be cut or altered except for wheel or tire clearance which must be approved by the Series Director) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during the initial inspection process last Friday.
Continue reading NASCAR Hands Down Penalties To Gordon And Johnson
Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson weren’t allowed to practice Friday. They weren’t allowed to qualify, either. Early next week, they’re certain to be hit with severe points penalties, while their respective crew chiefs are saddled with large fines and suspensions. And NASCAR will have sent another clear message to its competitors warning against any tinkering with the Car of Tomorrow.
The Hendrick Motorsports stablemates were banned from all on-track activity Friday after the front fenders of their respective Chevrolets failed initial inspection for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350, the first appearance by the Car of Tomorrow on a road course. Both cars rolled through the inspection line a second time and received their rear wings, although NASCAR did not announce whether they had passed. Neither vehicle was expected to receive the sticker allowing it on the racetrack until Saturday.