NASCAR has fined Joshua Creech $25,000
Ahead of the 2023 season, NASCAR announced new rules regarding the sale of access to events. The rule clearly prevented teams or personnel from selling passes to NASCAR events.
Last week, Hendrick Motorsports was handed the largest penalty in NASCAR history at $400,000. Denny Hamlin was also penalized and fined $50,000 for contact with Ross Chastain.
NASCAR issues $550,000 in fines after Phoenix Raceway
With all that going on, a penalty was overlooked.
Joshua Creech has been indefinitely suspended by NASCAR. He’s also been fined $25,000.
The crew member was found to be in violation of section 4.4D: “Selling NASCAR Single Event Credentials (VIP Passes, Essential Worker Passes, etc.”
Creech apparently sold VIP credentials to a fan at Phoenix Raceway. Creech is a crew member for Jeremy Clements Racing.
VIP passes allow teams and sponsors into the heart of the race. They’re allowed access in the hot areas of the garage and pits, during the action on track.
These were formerly known as HOT passes.
NASCAR Penalty
Penalty Issued: March 10, 2023
Member: Joshua Creech
Penalty Level: Behavioral
Sections: 4.3 A&I; 4.4 D
Penalty: Creech has been fined $25,000 and suspended by NASCAR indefinitely.
VIP Disclaimer
On the back of each each VIP pass reads the following:
“A Single Event Credential is not for resale, barter or trade. Only NASCAR may issue or sell an SEC. Any duplication, unauthorized sale, resale, barter or trade by any party may subject that party and/or the applicant listed on this credential to criminal prosecution.”
“This credential is for limited access to designated areas in the NASCAR garage and designated areas in Pit Lane for this Event only. This credential will be issued for the expressed and exclusive use of the applicant listed on this credential.”
It adds, “This credential is non-transferable and may be revoked by NASCAR at any time at NASCAR’s sole discretion. If this credential is lost or stolen, the applicant must notify NASCAR officials immediately.”
Racing Consignments: Facebook Group
Creech is an admin of the Facebook Group titled ‘Racing Consignments’. On February 24th, Creech posted the following message in the group per Kickin The Tires:
“NASCAR has deemed it illegal to do any for sale of passes, anyone who promotes the selling of a pass could be blacklisted from NASCAR and the team or teams associated with selling could also face severe punishment.”
If you own, manage, or endorse a company that is within the code of conduct for a partnership of a race team (no weed or tobacco companies) and would like to become a sponsor on a car that is separate from the ruling put out.”
“Any sponsors must be able to provide a brief description of said company for nascar approval and present a graphic i.e. logo of said company to be displayed on the car.”
“For races I attend this year if you do decide to sponsor a car through us I will personally assist you in tours, meet and greets, picture with the car, etc. Perks sponsors can receive by becoming a partner is supplying (sic) is not limited to or guaranteed is things such as passes, grid walks, meet and greets, swag bags, etc. We DO NOT CONDONE the outright selling of passes and will not entertain any proposals that resemble as such.”
Update: Largest NASCAR fine in history: Hendrick Motorsports to appeal
