NASCAR penalty report from Kentucky Speedway; First violation of COVID guidelines to result in fine
Over the weekend, Kentucky Speedway hosted five races on the 1.5-mile oval. One NASCAR Cup Series race, two Xfinity events, one truck race and an ARCA event.
View the full Kentucky Speedway penalty report below.
After the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Friday night, we saw a fight. Emotions boiled over to the pit lane as Harrison Burton and Noah Gragson swung on each other, landing punches.
Related: NASCAR Fight – Noah Gragson, Harrison Burton trade punches in Kentucky (Video)
As the two were talking, Burton pushed Gragson. Quickly, Gragson responded with a punch to the face. That was followed by a tackle.
Crews also became involved after a noticeable initial hesitation of whether or not they should join in. NASCAR officials quickly broke up the altercation.
Just a few days prior, NASCAR sent out a warning to teams and drivers that were ignoring COVID-19 protocols. Since the return to racing, the series has strict guidelines in place in an attempt to limit any possible transmission of the virus.
NASCAR hasn’t fined drivers for fighting in recent years. However, they have penalized crew members who pile on.
Back in May, NASCAR announced what the fines could be if guidelines aren’t followed.
NASCAR Cup Series Fine:
$10,000-$50,000
NASCAR Xfinity Series Fine:
$5,000-$25,000
NASCAR Truck Series Fine:
$2,500-$12,500
Related: NASCAR Fines – Violating COVID-19 guidelines could bring big penalties
NASCAR team owner penalized for COVID violation
We did not see a penalty issued to Noah Gragson or Harrison Burton following their fight. However, for the first time, a team has been penalized for violating COVID-19 Guidelines.
Anthony Clements, the car owner for the Jeremy Clements machine has been fined.
Clements actually had two violations. One was an event roster violation while the other was regarding COVID-19 guidelines.
Indianapolis Penalties
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Driver/Car: Jeremy Clements
Infraction Date: July 10, 2020 (Post-Race)
Level: Safety
Infraction: Sections 12.8.1.b – “Failure to comply with NASCAR’s COVID-19 Event Protocol Guidelines and/or instructions from NASCAR including screenings, social distancing, compartmentalization, and use of required personal protective equipment, etc.”
Additionally — Sections 7.7.2.j – “If a team is not in compliance with the Team Event Roster Rules and guidelines, that team will be subject to a Penalty as outlined in Section 12 Violations and Disciplinary Action.”
Penalty: Team owner ( Anthony Clements ) has been fined $10,000.
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Driver/Car: Riley Herbst No. 18
Infraction Date: July 10, 2020 (Post-Race)
Level: Safety
Infraction: Sections 10.9.10.4 – Tires and Wheels – Note: Lug nut(s) not properly installed.
Penalty: Crew chief ( Dave Rogers ) has been fined $5,000.
Indianapolis Penalties
NASCAR Truck Series
Driver/Car: Johnny Sauter
Infraction Date: July 11, 2020 (Pre-Race)
Level: L1
Infraction: Triangular filler panels
Penalty: The team has been docked 10 owner points.
Driver/Car: Ben Rhodes
Infraction Date: July 11, 2020 (Pre-Race)
Level: L1
Infraction: Triangular filler panels
Penalty: The team has been docked 10 owner points.
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Driver/Car: Derek Kraus
Infraction Date: July 11, 2020 (Pre-Race)
Level: L1
Infraction: Triangular filler panels
Penalty: The team has been docked 10 owner points.
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Indianapolis Penalties
NASCAR Cup Series
No penalties were announced in the NASCAR Cup Series.
