NASCAR Penalizes Kenseth, Kahne
NASCAR has severely penalized the teams of Roush & Evernham
Feb 14, 2007
After Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne's cars failed post-qualifying inspection at Daytona, and Michael Waltrip's Toyota Camry allegedly contained a 'substance' in the intake manifold of the engine, a nerve was struck with NASCAR.
Rule breakages have not been lacking in the first week of the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. It was revealed that Matt Kenseth's Ford Fusion owned by Roush Racing had holes in the wheel wells, which allows air to be improperly ducted into the car. NASCAR fined Kenseth's crew chief Robbie Reiser $50,000 and handed him a four-race suspension. Additionally, the 17 team has been docked 50 owner's points, and Kenseth was deducted 50 Nextel Cup championship points.
Reiser was disappointed because of the corollary, however he recognizes NASCAR's stance. "Obviously I'm disappointed with the penalty and the fact I won't be there at the Daytona 500 and for the following races. It was my job to ensure that the cap on the wheel well was properly secured, but it came off during our qualifying run and we ended up outside of the rules because of it."
Joining Robbie Reiser in the penalty box is the trio of crew chiefs, or team directors, at Evernham Motorsports. Kenny Francis will serve a four-race suspension, and was levied a $50,000 fine. Also, the 9 team was deducted 50 points in the Nextel Cup owner's standings, and Kasey Kahne will begin the season 50 points in the hole.
Josh Browne, team director of the 19 team, and Rodney Childers, team director of the 10 team, were penalized $25,000 each, and will serve a two-race suspension. Also, the two Evernham Motorsports teams will lose 25 points each in the NASCAR Nextel Cup owner's standings, as will Elliott Sadler and Scott Riggs in the championship standings. But there is a possibility that Ray Evernham will appeal these two penalties.
"I don't know how you find out if something is legal or not until you present it for inspection. Those parts were used in 2006. The deck lid is sealed up so they cannot be an aerodynamic device. We lighten several bolts on our car," Ray Evernham rationalized regarding the two penalties. As for the colossal penalty handed to the 9 team, Evernham said, "We regret that this situation has occurred, and apologize to our partners, team members, fans and NASCAR. Once we conduct a thorough review of NASCAR's findings we will determine the proper course of action to take. We did not intend to infringe on the rules and will research this matter to ensure it does not occur again."
A year ago, Chad Knaus, crew chief of the 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driven by 2006 Nextel Cup champion Jimmie Johnson served a four-race suspension and was fined $25,000 for an illegal modification to the rear window of the car. However, Knaus and Johnson were not docked any championship points. Johnson went on to win two of the first four races of the season, including the Daytona 500.
As for Michael Waltrip, NASCAR confiscated his car and as of now, it is undetermined as to when and if he will get the car back. This particular infraction has raised a lot of eyebrows in the garage area. Word on the street is that the substance has resurfaced, and Waltrip could be suspended for several races. It is believed that he will use David Reutimann's backup car for the Gatorade Duel practice session.
It is apparent that the hammer dropping by NASCAR is an attempt to send a compelling message to potential cheaters. On Tuesday, NASCAR's CEO and Chairman Brian France said, "It will be undeniable that, when you keep pushing the system and test the integrity of the sport, we will do whatever it takes. It doesn't mean you go out and put someone in the electric chair, but it does mean you step up the penalties to a level that makes it a true deterrent."
It will be interesting to see how far other teams will be willing to push the envelope as the season progresses.
