NASCAR issues $50,000 fine; Indefinite suspension

$50,000 in fines and 75 points docked before the 2022 season even begins; Teams issue statements

On Tuesday, NASCAR announced two penalties. One for a substance violation and one for a testing violation. This is typically an odd time for NASCAR penalties given no races were hosted last week. However, there are exceptions…

View the penalty report below.

Mike Harmon Racing participated in an exhibition charity event at Rockingham Speedway. The crew chief has been fined $50,000. However, the team has announced they’re are appealing the penalty.

Additionally, Caesar Bacarella has been handed a behavioral penalty for a substance violation. Tommy Joe Martins, speaking on behalf of Alpha Prime Racing said the substance was related to a workout supplement. Bacarella had entered the Road to Recovery program.

Mike Harmon Racing comments

“Today, we were notified by NASCAR that they handed out sanctions against MHR, Crew Chief Ryan Bell and the use of the 74 car at an exhibition charity event at Rockingham,” Mike Harmon Racing commented.

“This was not an intentional attempt to circumvent the rules that NASCAR has in place to ensure the integrity of the sport. In the over four decades of being in motorsports, I’m shocked at the penalties that were imposed on our team.”

“We will be appealing NASCAR’s ruling as we are dedicated to the Xfinity Series, our great partners, fans and our supporters.”

Tommy Joe Martins comments

‘Caesar was notified by NASCAR earlier this month he had unknowingly taken a workout supplement on the banned substances list,” Tommy Joe Martins stated.

He added, “He has fully complied with NASCAR, already enrolled in the Road to Recovery program and we fully expect him to be suiting up for Alpha Prime Racing at Daytona in February.”


NASCAR Penalties
November 22, 2021

Driver/Team: Mike Harmon #74

Infraction Date: 1/13/2021

Infraction Level: L2

Violation: Section 5.1.a.c.d: Vehicle testing

Penalty: Owner/driver (Mike Harmon) has been assessed with the loss of 75 owner points and 75 driver championship points. (Note: Loss of driver/owner points will apply in the 2022 season).

Crew chief (Ryan Bell) has been fined $50,000 and suspended from the next six championship points events. (Note: Period of suspension begins in the 2022 season)

Driver/Team: Caesar Bacarella (Alpha Prime Racing)

Infraction Date: 11/22/2021

Infraction Level: Behavioral (SAP)

Violation: Sections 12.1; 19:

Penalty: Indefinite suspension from NASCAR

Links

Mike Harmon Racing | Alpha Prime Racing | Rockingham Speedway | NASCAR

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