Post by dalejrfan on Feb 15, 2006 4:56:43 GMT -5
NASCAR's penalties lack any real punch Provisionals prevent Johnson's, Terry Labonte's teams from suffering
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - In ejecting Chad Knaus on Monday from Daytona 500 activities, NASCAR did only part of what it needs to do in response to shenanigans discovered in Nextel Cup qualifying at Daytona International Speedway.
Knaus, crew chief for Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet, will sit this one out after that car's qualifying lap at 188.762 mph was disallowed for rules violations found in inspection after qualifying Sunday.
According to a source in the garage, Johnson's car was rigged so the shape of the rear windshield area could be altered after the car passed pre-qualifying inspection. The intent was to deflect more air off the rear spoiler, reducing drag and helping the car go faster.
You know, cheating.
This is at least the seventh time in his tenure as Johnson's crew chief that Knaus has run afoul of the sport's rulesmakers.
NASCAR tried to suspend Knaus for two races last year after the No. 48 was too low in postrace inspection after a victory at Las Vegas. A three-member commission reduced the suspension to probation, leaving a $25,000 fine and a 25-point penalty in place.
NASCAR can "eject" a participant from an event without having that action subject to appeal. Since the Daytona 500 event began with practices Saturday, that rule applies in this case, and Knaus cannot appeal the decision.
"We understand NASCAR's position," team owner Rick Hendrick said in a statement released Monday. "Our expectations for the team remain high. It's a deep, championship-caliber group and they'll step up this weekend."
Darian Grubb, lead engineer for Johnson's team and Jeff Gordon's No. 24 team, will assume Knaus' duties.
"It's obviously disappointing to miss the biggest race of the year, but I'm confident in Darian and the rest of my teammates," Knaus said in the statement that avoided the issue of what was actually done to the car. "There's been a lot of effort put into the Daytona 500 and I know the team will be successful."
NASCAR said more penalties against the No. 48, as well as Hall of Fame Racing, which had its time disallowed because of an illegal modification to the carburetor in the No. 96 Chevrolet driven by Terry Labonte, could be announced after the race Sunday.
That'll be too late to complete the job properly.
Johnson and Labonte will be moved to the rear of the field for 150-mile qualifying races Thursday, but those are toothless penalties.
Johnson is guaranteed a Daytona 500 starting spot because his car was in the top 35 in car owner standings last season. Labonte will race in the 500, too, because he's a former Cup champion and therefore eligible for a provisional that would give him the No. 43 slot regardless of what happens Thursday.
Johnson should be denied use of his original car that was, and this is not too strong a term, "cheated up." NASCAR still has that car, and spokesman Ramsey Poston said a decision on whether the team will be allowed to use it or forced to use a backup will be made by the time cars get back on the track on Wednesday.
Labonte former champion's status means another team playing will head home Thursday. NASCAR ought to rule that the No. 96 will make the Daytona 500 only if it qualifies through the Gatorade Duel, denying the team the use of the provisional it bought in hiring Labonte. David
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - In ejecting Chad Knaus on Monday from Daytona 500 activities, NASCAR did only part of what it needs to do in response to shenanigans discovered in Nextel Cup qualifying at Daytona International Speedway.
Knaus, crew chief for Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet, will sit this one out after that car's qualifying lap at 188.762 mph was disallowed for rules violations found in inspection after qualifying Sunday.
According to a source in the garage, Johnson's car was rigged so the shape of the rear windshield area could be altered after the car passed pre-qualifying inspection. The intent was to deflect more air off the rear spoiler, reducing drag and helping the car go faster.
You know, cheating.
This is at least the seventh time in his tenure as Johnson's crew chief that Knaus has run afoul of the sport's rulesmakers.
NASCAR tried to suspend Knaus for two races last year after the No. 48 was too low in postrace inspection after a victory at Las Vegas. A three-member commission reduced the suspension to probation, leaving a $25,000 fine and a 25-point penalty in place.
NASCAR can "eject" a participant from an event without having that action subject to appeal. Since the Daytona 500 event began with practices Saturday, that rule applies in this case, and Knaus cannot appeal the decision.
"We understand NASCAR's position," team owner Rick Hendrick said in a statement released Monday. "Our expectations for the team remain high. It's a deep, championship-caliber group and they'll step up this weekend."
Darian Grubb, lead engineer for Johnson's team and Jeff Gordon's No. 24 team, will assume Knaus' duties.
"It's obviously disappointing to miss the biggest race of the year, but I'm confident in Darian and the rest of my teammates," Knaus said in the statement that avoided the issue of what was actually done to the car. "There's been a lot of effort put into the Daytona 500 and I know the team will be successful."
NASCAR said more penalties against the No. 48, as well as Hall of Fame Racing, which had its time disallowed because of an illegal modification to the carburetor in the No. 96 Chevrolet driven by Terry Labonte, could be announced after the race Sunday.
That'll be too late to complete the job properly.
Johnson and Labonte will be moved to the rear of the field for 150-mile qualifying races Thursday, but those are toothless penalties.
Johnson is guaranteed a Daytona 500 starting spot because his car was in the top 35 in car owner standings last season. Labonte will race in the 500, too, because he's a former Cup champion and therefore eligible for a provisional that would give him the No. 43 slot regardless of what happens Thursday.
Johnson should be denied use of his original car that was, and this is not too strong a term, "cheated up." NASCAR still has that car, and spokesman Ramsey Poston said a decision on whether the team will be allowed to use it or forced to use a backup will be made by the time cars get back on the track on Wednesday.
Labonte former champion's status means another team playing will head home Thursday. NASCAR ought to rule that the No. 96 will make the Daytona 500 only if it qualifies through the Gatorade Duel, denying the team the use of the provisional it bought in hiring Labonte. David