Three Monster Energy Series teams receive L1-level penalties
Multiple NASCAR Cup Series teams fined $50,000; Suspensions
The Nos. 3, 14 and 19 teams in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series received L1-level penalties for violations found during teardowns at the NASCAR R&D Center following Sunday’s race at Dover International Speedway.
The Nos. 14 and 19 teams both had rear window violations. The No. 14 team was found to have violated Section 20.4.8.1 (dealing with rear window support). A brace that supports the rear window failed and did not meet specifications for keeping the rear window glass rigid in all directions at all times. The No. 19 team violated Section 20.4.8.1.c as its rear window decklid was not sealed properly.
Crew chiefs Mike Bugarewicz (No. 14) and Scott Graves (No. 19) each were fined $50,000. Car chiefs Jerry Cook (No. 14) and Todd Brewer (No. 19) each were suspended for the next two Monster Energy Series points races. The teams were also docked 20 driver points and 20 owner points. Clint Bowyer drove the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford to a runner-up finish while Daniel Suarez drove the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota to a third-place finish at Dover.
The No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team was found to have violated Section 20.4.3.a&.d (splitter did not meet rule specifications). Crew chief Justin Alexander was fined $25,000. Car chief Greg Ebert was suspended for the next Monster Energy Series points race. Austin Dillon drove the No. 3 Chevrolet to a 26th-place finish in the Dover race.
All of these teams have the right to appeal their penalties to the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.
NASCAR officials issued a total of five L1-level penalties Wednesday, including two in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
In addition, the No. 41 Monster Energy Series team was found to have one lug nut not secure in post-race inspection. Crew chief Billy Scott was fined $10,000. Kurt Busch drove the No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford to a fifth-place finish at Dover.
NASCAR Xfinity Series
The Nos. 3 and 7 teams in the NASCAR Xfinity Series received L1-level penalties after violations were discovered in teardowns at the R&D Center following Saturday’s race at Dover International Speedway.
The No. 7 race-winning team was found to have violated section 20.14.2.h of the NASCAR Rule Book (rear suspension and trailing arm angles/pinion angle shims). Truck trailing arm spacer/pinion angle shim surfaces must be in complete contact at all points, at all times. Failure to adhere to that can create additional side force and is a violation.
The No. 7 team also was penalized 25 driver points and 25 owners points. Crew chief Jason Burdett was fined $25,000 and suspended from the next two Xfinity Series points events.
As a result of the penalty, driver Justin Allgaier and the No. 7 JR Motorsports team will not get to keep the playoff benefits for the win, including the five playoff points. However, the team will retain the competition benefits, including the $100,000 Dash 4 Cash bonus.
The No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team was found to have violated section 20.4.3.a&.b (splitter did not meet specifications). Crew chief Nick Harrison was fined $10,000. Car chief Michael Scearce was suspended for the next Xfinity points event. Driver Jeb Burton finished 12th in the No. 3 at Dover.
Both teams have the right to appeal the penalties to the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.
NASCAR Truck Series
In addition, the No. 4 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team was found to have one lug nut not secure in post-race inspection. Crew chief Wes Ward was fined $2,500. Todd Gilliland drove the No. 4 Kyle Busch Motorsports Toyota to a 10th-place finish.
— NASCAR —
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