DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Report by Race Chaser Online Managing Editor Jacob Seelman — Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images North America photo —
Clint Bowyer’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title hopes took a large hit on Wednesday afternoon, after NASCAR announced penalties stemming from the Chicagoland Speedway race weekend to two Sprint Cup teams.
Bowyer’s No. 15 team was been penalized for an infraction that occurred on opening day inspection on Sept. 18.
The specific infraction is a P4 level penalty which violated multiple sections of the NASCAR rulebook, including:
- 12.1 — Actions detrimental to stock car racing.
- 20.14.c — All suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension and/or drivetrain component beyond normal rotation or suspension and/or drivetrain travel.
- 20.14.2.1.k — Beveled washers and/or other components that allow movement under load will not be permitted on the track bar heim joints or rod end and/or track bar mounting bolts.
- 12.5.3.4.1.d — Approved parts that are not properly installed or are made adjustable when not normally intended to be.
- 12.5.3.4.1.f — Components, devices, systems, configurations, installations, etc. which serve to circumvent NASCAR templates, gauges, measuring devices whether intended or not.
As a result, crew chief Billy Scott has been fined $75,000, suspended for the next three Sprint Cup events (Loudon, Dover and Charlotte) and placed on NASCAR probation for an additional six months.
Bowyer was docked 25 driver points and car owner Rob Kauffman docked 25 owner points in addition to Scott’s suspension.
NASCAR has requested to the Appeals Administrator of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel that the appeals process described in the rule book be expedited, due in large part to Bowyer being a part of the championship Chase Grid and any penalties having an effect on the title race going forward. The first elimination round takes place at Dover International Speedway next Sunday.
The penalties will likely put Bowyer into a situation where he must win at either this weekend’s New Hampshire Motor Speedway event or next weekend’s Dover event in order to advance to the Contender Round of the Chase. Bowyer can also be inside the top 12 in Chase points to advance, however that situation would seem unlikely — the penalty drops Bowyer to 16th in the Chase Grid standings, 52 points behind championship leader Matt Kenseth and 31 points outside the current cutoff spot held by Jeff Gordon.
Two of Bowyer’s eight career Cup wins have come in the Loudon Chase race (2007 and 2010), but the Emporia, Kan. driver has never won at Dover.
Bowyer’s team, Michael Waltrip Racing, issued a statement expressing their disagreement with the penalty following the announcement late Wednesday.
“Michael Waltrip Racing respectfully disagrees with today’s penalties and plans to immediately appeal,” the statement read. “MWR has made mistakes in the past, but we feel we are correct in this instance. We look forward to the opportunity to present our case to the appeals committee and have no further comment until the process is completed.”
Danica Patrick’s No. 10 team was also penalized, though that infraction occurred during pre-qualifying inspection on Sept. 18.
The infraction is a P2 level penalty which violated Sections 12.1 (Actions detrimental) and 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book (the right side quarter panel behind the rear wheel/tire was modified).
As a result, crew chief Daniel Knost and car chief Pete White have both been placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31.
Patrick did not make the Chase for the Sprint Cup, and currently sits 23rd in the series points standings.
NASCAR Integrated Marketing Communications contributed to this report.
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network. Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 21-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for both the United Sprint Car Series and the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: speed77radio@gmail.com
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
