After winning Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, Tony Stewart’s No.14 team has been penalized by NASCAR after infractions during Friday’s qualifying session.
An unapproved vent house inside Stewart’s car during his qualifying run was deemed worthy of a penalty after the qualifying session, forcing Stewart to start forty-second in the race.
Tuesday evening, NASCAR announced that the No.14 team has been fined 6 championship driver points, and 6 championship owner points as a result of the infraction.
Crew chief, Steve Addington has been fined $25,000 and placed on probation by NASCAR until August 22. Car chief Jeff Meendering has also been placed on probation through August 22.
Stewart remains fifth in the Sprint Cup point standings, now 90 points back of the lead heading into Sunday’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
“While we respect and accept NASCAR’s decision, we want to be clear that there was no malicious intent,” said director of competition at Stewart Haas Racing, Greg Zipadelli.
“In a rush to replace a cracked rear windshield that happened during tech inspection prior to qualifying,we jostled a cooling hose that was behind the seat.
“We understand NASCAR’s position and will abide by its decision.”
Official NASCAR Statement:
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 10, 2012) – NASCAR has issued penalties to three of its race teams as a result of rules infractions committed during last weekend’s events at Daytona International Speedway.
The No. 14 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book); and 20-2.1J (unapproved open vent hose inside of the car). The violation occurred during post-qualifying inspection July 6.
As a result, crew chief Steve Addington has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Car chief Jeff Meendering has been placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Driver Tony Stewart and owner Margaret Haas have been penalized with the loss of six championship driver and six championship owner points, respectively.
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.
