Let’s Talk Fines after Charlotte Motor Speedway

On Tuesday, it was announced by NASCAR that two Nationwide Series teams were fined and/or placed on probation for rules infractions that took place at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The No. 41 Ford, driven by Timmy Hill, was found to be in violation of three rules in the NASCAR rule book. These include Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determiniation by NASCAR officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20A-12.8.1B (body height requirements – car failed to meet the minimum front car heights). The violations were discovered during post-race inspection of the History 300. Hill finished the race 19th. As a result of these violations, Hill’s crew chief George Church was fined $10,000 while car owner Rick Ware and Hill were docked six championship owner and driver points.

While Michael Annett , driver of the No. 43 car for Richard Petty Motorsports, will not face any penalties for rules violations, his crew chief, Philippe Lopez and car chief, Michael Wright, will.

Both have been penalized for rule violations discovered during opening day inspections for the History 300. Lopez has been fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until December 31, 2012, while Wright will be placed on probation for the same amount of time with no monetary fines.

The No. 43 car rules violations referred to 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-A of the rule book); 20A-2.1E (streamlining of the contours of the car, beyond what is approved by the series director will not be permitted. Installation of air directional devices, underpans, baffles, shields or the like beneath the car or the car’s hood and fender area, front firewall, floor, rear firewall area, rear deck and quarter panel will not be permitted. If, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance, will not be permitted. All cars must remain standard in appearance); 20A-3.10A (front upper bumper cover must be from the respective OEM manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. The front lower bumper cover and rear bumper cover must be from an approved manufacturer and must be approved by NASCAR. Once approved, the front lower bumper covers may be used on all approved models. NASCAR officials may use bumper covers provided by the respective manufacturer as a guide in determining whether a competitor’s bumper cover conforms to the specifications of the NASCAR rule book. Unless otherwise authorized by the series director, cutting and reshaping of bumper covers will not be permitted.)

Both drivers and teams will compete in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Dover International Speedway on Saturday.