Nascar Blog

Nascar handed down the penalties today for Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, and they are the same penalty that Dale Jr. got for using the wrong bracket. Each driver was fined 100 championship points, so, no big deal, probably, they both should still make the Chase. Both crew chiefs, Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus were fined $100,000, suspended for the next six races, or until August 15th, and both are on probation until December 31, 2007. Both Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon were fined 100 car owner points, as Rick owns the 24 and Jeff the 48.

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. Source: Gordon, Johnson docked 100 points for violations

One would think Nascar would have a repeat offender clause, as Chad was suspended for four races last year for messing with the aerodynamics of the 48 car for Daytona. If they don’t, they should have one, how can they discourage “cheating” if the penalty is the same every time? I realize missing your crew chief for six races is big, but, he will be talking to them the whole time on the phone or radio, you know he will, Dale Jr. said as much when his crew chief was gone for their COT violation earlier this year.