Photo Credit: Noel Lanier
On September 7, NASCAR announced penalties for three different Sprint Cup teams stemming from post-race infractions after the Bojangles Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
Richard Childress Racing’s No 31 team with driver Ryan Newman was handed a P3 penalty, including a 15-point deduction in both the driver and owner standings for failing post-race Last Inspection. Additionally, NASCAR issued a $25,000 fine for crew chief Luke Lambert.
Newman finished eighth and was only seven points behind Jamie McMurray in the Championship standings for the last spot on the provisional Chase grid. Following the penalty, if Newman wants to make the chase, he will have to either win the race at RIR or rally to overcome a 22-point deficit to McMurray. b
The No.31 team back in March was also docked 10 points for the use of unapproved body attachment mounts and supports at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Lambert was put on NASCAR probation through the end of the year because of the incident. Richard Childress Racing made a statement announcing it would not appeal the penalty. “We do not plan to appeal the penalty issued today to the No. 31 team, ” a spokesman for Richard Childress Racing stated. “Our rear toe settings were well within specs during pre-race inspection. The car made contact with the outside wall during the race and there was clear damage to the right rear fender and tire. NASCAR has told us that the LIS standard is clear and the car must pass post-race inspection even if damage has been sustained.”
Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 42 of Kyle Larson was issued a P2-grade penalty for a LIS infraction after post-race inspection at Darlington Raceway. Larson, who finished the Southern 500 in third, was docked 15 points along with crew chief Chad Johnston being fined $22,000. CGR was also docked 15 owners points. Because of his one win and being 15th in the points standings, Larson is locked into the Chase and docked points has no effect on him.
Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Ryan Blaney was given a P1 penalty for a safety equipment violation and was fined $1,000 for not wearing protective driving gloves during practice last Saturday night.
