July seems to be the month of penalties in the stock car racing world.
After an unapproved cooling hose was left open during the qualifying run for Austin Dillon, NASCAR not only forced the No.3 Richard Childress Racing team to start at the back of the field for Friday night’s race, but has also penalized the team.
NASCAR has issued a 6 point penalty to the driver of the No.3 Chevrolet, Austin Dillon, as well as dock the team 6 points in the owner championship.
Dillon’s crew chief, Danny Stockman, as well as his car chief Robert Strmiska have been suspended by NASCAR until July 25.
On top of the suspension, Stockman has been fined $10,00 by NASCAR.
This is the third infraction of the season for the No.3 team.
At Richmond International Raceway earlier this season, the team was found to have unapproved front bumper covers. Two weeks ago after winning their first Nationwide Series race at Kentucky Speedway, the team was penalized 6 championship points after a parts failure caused the team to fail post-race inspection.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s No.18 team is also being penalized. This for failing to meet post-race height requirements Friday night in Daytona.
Crew chief, Adam Stevens has been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until August 22. Car chief, Christopher Landis has also been placed on probation until August 22.
The No.18 team, which doesn’t compete for the driver’s championship in the series, has been penalized 6 championship owner points.
Official Statement from NASCAR:
The No. 3 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4J and 20A-2.1J (unapproved open vent hose inside of the car). This violation occurred during post-qualifying inspection on July 6.
Crew chief Danny Stockman has been fined $10,000 and due to the violation of his probation, has been suspended from NASCAR until July 25. Car chief Robert Strmiska has also been suspended from NASCAR competition until July 25 due to the violation of his probation. This past May 1, both Stockman and Strmiska were placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, for rules violations committed at Richmond International Raceway.
Driver Austin Dillon and owner Morgan Shepherd have been penalized with the loss of six championship driver and six championship owner points, respectively.
The No. 18 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4J; and 20A-12.8.1(B) (car failed to meet minimum front car heights). This violation occurred during post-race inspection July 6.
Crew chief Adam Stevens has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Car chief Christopher Landis has been placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Owner Joe Gibbs has been penalized with the loss of six championship owner points.
