Joe Gibbs Racing Penalties Amended By NASCAR Appeals Board

I'm sure you've heard the news already, but thought I'd toss this out there, just in case you had missed it and you follow this site.

Back on April 23rd, Matt Kenseth won a race, but an engine component was a touch light, as in, almost a feather's worth too light.  But a rules infraction, as NASCAR sees it, is an infraction.

The penalties handed out seemed pretty stiff to fans.  But its a demonstration of how serious NASCAR is about people mucking with the engines in the competition.

Joe Gibbs Racing appeared before the Appeals Board today and they found themselves recipients of some, well, better news, compared to the original fines.

Check out the press release below for details.

 National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel Statement
(May 8, 2013)

The National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team.

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 20-5.5.3E: Only solid magnetic steel connecting rods with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted. Connecting rod failed to meet minimum connecting rod weight.

The penalties stemmed from a post-race engine inspection April 23 at the NASCAR Research and Development Center.

The original penalties assessed to the No. 20 team were:

·         Crew chief Jason Ratcliff: Fined $200,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship point events (a period of time that also includes the non-points Sprint All-Star Race)

·         Car owner Joe Gibbs: Loss of 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; had the owner's license for the No. 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car suspended until the completion of the next six championship point events, therefore being ineligible to receive championship car owner points during that period of time.

·         Driver Matt Kenseth: Loss of 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.

·         Manufacturer: The loss of five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturer championship points.

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The Appellants appealed all penalties listed above. The Appellants also requested and were granted a deferral of the suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened.

Upon hearing the testimony, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to amend the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The amendments are as follows:

·         Crew chief Jason Ratcliff: The $200,000 fine remains intact; NASCAR suspension now covers one championship points event. In addition, he will be placed on NASCAR probation until the completion of the next three championship points events following his reinstatement;

·         Car owner Joe Gibbs: Loss of championship owner points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;

·         Driver Matt Kenseth; Loss of championship driver points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;

·         Manufacturer: The loss of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturer championship points has been increased to seven.

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Penske Fines Upheld, Suspensions Modified

If you were curious on the outcome of Penske addressing NACSAR's Chief Appellate Officer about their being snagged during an equipment inspection back in early April at Texas, in  nutshell:

Fines have all been upheld and the suspensions have been reduced to 2 points races and the 1 non-points race event.

See the press release below:


NATIONAL STOCK CAR RACING - CHIEF APPELLATE OFFICER STATEMENT


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

Penske Team Penalties Upheld

If you were wondering about the penalties that the Penske Racing teams incurred recently and the results of their first appeal, here's the low down on that situation, via press release:

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On May 1, 2013, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of the No. 2 and No. 22 Penske Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams.


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 penalties stemmed from a pre-race inspection at Texas Motor Speedway April 13.


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; placed on NASCAR 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): Suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events; 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; 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; 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 Appellants appealed all penalties listed above. The Appellants also requested and were granted a deferral of the suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened.

Upon hearing the testimony and carefully reviewing the facts, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.

The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.

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Of Engine Parts, Heavy Fines and Waiting For Kyle To Exhale

Yes... it had been a bit since I had started posting again this week.  After the Denny Hamlin affair where he was fined for a benign comment comparing the gen-6 to the COT car learning curve, I had lost a bit of mojo for the sport.

It seemed over-reactive. Sure, NASCAR wants to distance itself from the COT era, but that will happen with time, not with penalties that bring it more to light. And if Denny Hamlin never again gives a colorful answer to any question, I don't blame him.

Me and 90% of the fan base say shame on you NASCAR.  Now just let it be and back off.  You don't have to draw that line in the sand just because you started something you don't want to back off from.

Over the last few weeks I sat back and just watched some great racing.

I saw a race on a racetrack with some personality in the NASCAR Truck series (Rockingham) that was fun to watch.  And Kansas surprised me this year too.

But this week the news is pretty big, especially in the fine department.

Matt Kenseth's team got nailed pretty hard for having an engine component (connecting rod) that was just over 2 grams too light from its allowable 525 gram minimum weight.  And after winning a race to boot.

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The fines/penalties were

• 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
• Car owner Joe Gibbs has lost 50 championship car owner points (The Kansas win will not have bonus points attached)
• Owner's license for the No. 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car suspended until the completion of the next six championship points events (No owners points to be earned)
• Matt Kenseth lost 50 championship driver points
• The loss of five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Manufacturer Championship points.

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The message is clear, even if the NASCAR world was already fully aware, to not mess with the engine.  (Or tires or the fuel.)

This brings up the issue of having wins removed from illegal cars.  I'm all in favor of such, when the situation warrants it.  Other wise, the car/driver/team still benefit from an ill-begotten win.

That's not fair to the rest of the field.  But that's just me and we know what NASCAR's practice is on the issue, so this is a moot opinion.

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Toyota has taken full blame for the Kenseth penalty.  And we can all talk till we're blue in the face about this issue, but the bottom line was that they were caught with ONE connecting rod that was too light, and it did not create any kind of advantage, that anyone knows of.  But the fine is there, to let the world know that messing with the engine is not a pretty thing to do.

Some have said that they feel it was an honest mistake while others have questioned why a light component was even in the garage area to begin with.

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What a season, with major players taking hits this early in the race season.  Denny Hamlin is out with back issues, Matt Kenseth and team will be in a huge deficit of a points hole, and other fun.  It's been a wild and whacky season indeed.

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So!  My past observations have been that Kurt Busch tends to blow up on average, about once every 14 to 18 months.  If this tendency holds true, I'm wondering when the next Kyle Busch blow up is coming?

Last week at Kansas, after he exited the race early, he was doing that walk.  You know the one.  He's totally pissed, but the small, mature corner of his brain is screaming:  "Just walk boyo!  Keep your mouth shut and walk!"  And he did, only stopping for the major media folks to answer a question or two, with the obvious and patented short answers that Kyle tends to give...  pragmatic, to the point, and almost spilling over into nasty time.

So good job Kyle, on last weekend.

But did that push him to being just a little bit closer to that inner boiling point we all know he has?  And being at Richmond just isn't going to help.  This is an emotional track!

I'm hoping he retains his composure.  But we'll see.

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Speaking of Richmond, remember the joke... ESPN coverage of the Nationwide race at Richmond will be on ESPNEWS channel, if you get that channel.

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That's all that's on my mind (that's printable) folks.  Chat with you later!

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New Road Course Qualifying Rules for NASCAR Sprint Cup

I'm sure you've all seen the news, that NASCAR Cup qualifying at Road Courses has a new look/procedure.

Looking over the press release, what I'm seeing is that this will do a few things for the fan.  It will make the qualifying sessions go a bit quicker than running one car at a time, and it just might make qualifying a wee bit more exciting.

If you think about it, though their starting spots will be determined by their lap times, they have to play it smart and not over-drive the car at all during these sessions.

Or...  do they do a few smart laps, then start taking chances?

It will be pretty interesting to see.  That's for sure.  But one other thing is for sure.  For the Cup Series Only Fans... this is not new to NASCAR.  They've been qualifying like this under the Nationwide banner for a while, so NASCAR has experience at managing this new process. 

The process for road course qualifying includes:

·      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.

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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.

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Richmond Nationwide Race TV Coverage

NASCAR race fans have always been accustomed to taking the back seat to other programming.  Specifically, when ABC/ESPN covers our sport.  From being booted by America's Funniest Videos with less then 20 laps to go, to being delayed by televised little league games, we're used to it.

So don't freak out when you start looking for the Nationwide race in your TV listings.

With other big name sports having events this weekend, and ESPN covering the Friday Night race, keep your eyes peeled and look for race coverage over on the ESPNEWS channel.

Yep... even I have to go figure this channel # out.

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Bruce E. Simmons,  Owner/Editor/Writer:
   NASCAR-Bits-and-Pieces on Twitter & Facebook & G+.
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Eldora Speedway Truck Series Qualifying Explained

 

 

If you've ever seen a race from Tony Stewart's Eldora Speedway, you know how much fun this dirt track oval can be with the right drivers on the surface, duking it out.  If you haven't, and you're a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series fan, boy are you in for a treat, coming up on Wednesday, July 24th, 2013 as the Truck Series visits this stories facility for a scheduled stop on their schedule.

 

But being a dirt track, qualifying at Eldora is a bit different than an asphalt track.  And having NASCAR coming back to dirt in the first time in 40 years doesn't change that.   And this is going to be the track's 60th race season.  My bet is that this telecast will break records for the racing series...  this is going to be fun!

 

THIS, is how qualifying for the Mudsummer Classic will be handled at Eldora Speedway, via this press release from NASCAR:

The race will feature a traditional two-lap qualifying session, five qualifying races, one last-chance race and a champion’s provisional to determine the 30-truck starting field. The top-20 in owners’ points entering the race event will have a guaranteed starting position.

 Here are additional details for each round of qualifying: 

Qualifying

Two-lap qualifying determines starting position for the qualifying races

Qualifying Races

·         Five qualifying races

o    Eight laps each; only green flag laps count

o    Five trucks transfer from each qualifying race

·         Lineup for the qualifying races will be based on qualifying speeds with four locked-in trucks (trucks in the top 20)

·         The top-five trucks in qualifying will start on the pole for their respective qualifying race

·         Highest finishing non-locked-in truck will transfer to race from each qualifying race

·         At the completion of the qualifying races, 25 trucks will have earned spots into the feature.

Last Chance Race

·         15 laps; only green flag laps count

·         The top-four finishers will transfer to the feature and start in positions 26-29

·         The lineup will be based on the finish from the qualifying races 

Starting position No. 30 will go to the most recent past series’ champion who has not already qualified. If the 30th starting position is not filled by an eligible champion, it will be assigned to the next highest finishing truck in the Last Chance Race. 

“NASCAR and Eldora Speedway have collectively worked together to come up with a format that embraces the history of dirt track racing while also ensuring that full-time competitors have an opportunity to be a part of this special event,” said Chad Little, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series director. “This will also add an exciting element for the fans and we look forward to putting on a great show at this unique venue.” 

The race length and format are also new for the series. The race will be 150 laps divided into three segments. The segments will be 60, 50 and 40 laps.

There will be pit stops between each segment, with teams having the opportunity to change tires and work on their trucks. 

More details on the event schedule will be released later this spring. 

The “Mudsummer Classic” will be the first NASCAR national touring series event held on dirt since NASCAR’s premiere series competed on September 30, 1970 in Raleigh, N.C. Richard Petty won the Home State 200 at the one-mile State Fairgrounds Speedway.

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Blocking In NASCAR Should Be A Non-Issue, Welcome to Parity Boys and Girls

The last race we had, Tony Stewart made a move to pass Joey Logano on a restart, but Logano made his own move to block Stewart.  After the race, Stewart was all fired up about Logano doing to him, exactly what he himself would have done.  I'm guessing Tony forgot this was NASCAR and not some other racing league that has banned blocking.

And needless to say, Tony was pissed.  He wanted a piece of Joey's ass after the race.  But almost every fan and reporter, to a tee, made mention how this is something Tony himself has done and all those folks also reminded us of a huge wreck at a restrictor plate race that was caused by Stewart himself making a move to block someone.

So be it.  The goose, the gander, the kettle and the pot.

But I'm a bit surprised this debate about blocking is still going on two weeks later.  Or, then again, maybe not since there's been no new news to capture our attention.  Kurt hasn't mouthed off at anyone, Kyle hasn't called the Gen-6 any foul expletive, Mr. "5-Hour Energy" hasn't chased anyone new down.  So this is the latest headline that's still glowing brightest in the aftermath of the last race from two weeks ago.

But the question remains of whether blocking should be allowed in NASCAR?  Should blocking be a valid or allowed part of the sport?

Folks, WELCOME TO PARITY!!!

NASCAR has worked hard to get all the cars/teams on as equal footing as possible.  And now that they are, we are going to start seeing this tactic more and more.

And yes, blocking should be allowed.  It's a valid maneuver that's deployed within most events that involve tactics.  Period.

Honestly, with Logano's move, that meant his eye was on the prize, that first-place trophy.  And if he didn't block, how would his fans and sponsors feel?

In chess, you make moves to block attacks on the king.  In boxing, you block punches from landing valuable points.  In football, you block the pass-rush and defend your quarterback. In war, you make moves to keep the opponent from making their own successful moves.

Blocking is a valid tactic, no matter what.  Not blocking is like seeing the opponent coming, and laying down. And in this day, when teams are more equal in car,  blocking is going to come to the forefront of our attentions.

Now We Know Who's Subbing For Denny Hamlin

Despite confusing reports, the details are now verified as to who might be subbing for Denny Hamlin while he recovers from his fractured spine injury.  (L1 Compression Fracture)

Mark Martin will be taking the wheel of the No. 11 FedEx Toyota coming up at Martinsville.  After that, Brian Vickers will be strapped into the No. 11 Toyota for the subsequent races.

Yes, Michael Waltrip Racing is providing the substitute drivers while Denny is recuperating.  In some previous media reports, I heard Michael Waltrip say that Denny is a friend of his and is willing to help out any way they can.

And that's pretty cool.

And hopefully, Denny will be on track and git back in the car as soon as possible.  Fans are all looking forward to it.  And then we'll see Denny get to work and see what he and his team can do to make up the points deficit.

It will be fun for fans to watch and root for to see what comes of it.

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In the meantime, let's see how Brian and Mark can do in this strange, new car.

Denny Hamlin: After Missing Races, Can He Still Make the Chase? WHO CARES!

Yes, I said that... who cares if Denny Hamlin makes the chase for the Cup in 2013.  But I say that with good intent in my heart.  I think any fan of Denny's has to adopt that perspective because of the situation.

THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect to take away from the situation right now, is that Denny Hamlin get better and be able to lead a healthy life that's not threatened by this spinal cord injury.  He needs to heal, first and foremost.

If Denny tries to do things too fast or too soon, it could be an uglier recovery period.

The Points:  Let It Go

About all this points pondering/guessing, folks, you are only going to drive yourself crazy.(er)

I can appreciate all the guessing math-a-bitical (Yes, I just made that word up.) work everyone is doing in trying to see if or how Denny could possibly still make the Chase.

And sure, it is.  It's a long shot, but it's possible.

All I do is think back to Tony Stewart's hugely successful run in the Gen-5 (COT) car at the late stages of the season he took the trophy home, so yes, it can be done.  (Uh ho, I said that bad 3-letter word)

In the best situation, Denny is back in the car in 5 races.  But if something goes wrong with his recuperation, it could be longer.  If nothing goes wrong, he's got his work cut out for him.

Sure, if he finishes with "x" points every single race after his return, he might be able to make the Chase.

Aside from Tony's stellar, last-ditch effort in that one year, who else has ever made that kind of run in recent years?

Who else is worried about the little factor called luck?

Luck can make or break a driver.  Luck can break a $5 part on the car.  Luck can put a tiny hole in a tire.  Luck can put an entire car into your fender.  Luck can give one the flu.

I can also appreciate that everyone's guessing games involves the absolute best and dazzling good luck possible.

But some fans should brace themselves for the potential reality of the situation.

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From my perspective, I'm pulling for Denny to heal up properly so he has a long racing career.  When he comes back, all he needs to do is his job.  I don't want to get my hopes too high and have them dashed on the rocks if something doesn't pan out.

If he does return and starts to outperform everyone at every single race, then my eyebrows will go up and the excitement will build.  But until then, I'm trying to stay Zen about it.

When he returns, all Denny Hamlin really has to do is his job and the results thereof, will keep his sponsors happy and his fans too.  Doing his job will be what he has to focus on once he returns.  If he distracts himself with all the other math-abetical probabilities, well, that could be self-defeating. (Yup, another new word!)

If Denny has a strong recovery, he'll show us how he's feeling with his work behind the wheel.

-Bruce Simmons