What a crazy Sunday afternoon at Phoenix International Raceway. NASCAR fans saw Kyle Busch dominate the race but not capture the checkered flag, Jimmie Johnson crash and possibly lose the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, and saw Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer’s crews fight. If you weren’t a fan of the series prior to Sunday’s race, something tells me that you are now.
On Monday afternoon, NASCAR handed out fines and penalties from the race.
Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 car, was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) – altercation with another competitor on the race track during the race – and has been fined $100,000, docked 25 championship driver points and put on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Rick Hendrick, owner of the No. 24 car, has also been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points. Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 24 car, also was found to be in violation of Section 9-4A (at all events, crew chief assumes responsibility of his driver, car owner and team members) and has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
Brian Pattie, crew chief of the No. 15 car, violated Sections 12-1 and 9-4A and has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
There were no penalties given to Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 15.
Add more craziness to the weekend at that was, Brad Keselowski was fined $25,000 and placed on probation until December 31st for violating Sections 12-1 and 20-6.7A (cars and drivers will not be permitted to carry onboard computers, automated electronic recording devices, electronically actuated devices, power distribution modules, power conditioners, micro-processors, recording devices, electronic digital memory chips, traction control devices, digital readout gauges and the like, even if inoperable or incomplete) – driver had a cell phone in his possession onboard the race car.
If you may recall, Keselowski has had his cell phone in the car during a race before but never fined for it. On Sunday, he sent our a tweet during the red flag.
Something tells me all the drivers are glad to be out of Phoenix this evening. Wonder what craziness Homestead-Miami Speedway will bring.
