Helton warns of stiffer penalties for violations

DOVER, Del. -- NASCAR's longstanding policy has been, "Speak softly, but carry a big stick." In an unprecedented move, NASCAR president Mike Helton has warned owners and crew chiefs that the stick might come into play.

In the drivers' and crew chiefs' meeting prior to Sunday's MBNA Platinum 400 at Dover International Speedway, Helton reinforced the importance of following NASCAR's guidelines. Citing three height violations by the winners in the last 18 Winston Cup races and a perceived failure of NASCAR's system of fines in dissuading the post-race inspection failures, he said loss of finishing positions or championship points might be considered as further punishments for future transgressions.

In virtually every case, NASCAR has allowed the race winners' victories to stand no matter what rules violations were found in post-race inspection.

In the meeting Sunday morning, Helton took the microphone and addressed his remarks specifically to owners and crew chiefs.

He quoted rule book section 20-12.8.1A addressing height requirements and the method of measuring them; and also section 12- 4T on penalties for infractions.

The latter states ". . .a fine, and/or loss of championship points, and/or loss of finishing position(s) in the Event" regarding penalties for height violations.

"So far we have chosen to use a system of fines to address these violations," Helton said. "We just wanted everyone to know there are other options available if it continues."

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief Tony Eury was fined $25,000 after his car was a 1/8th-inch too low following last October's EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway -- a Winston No Bull 5 race in which he won a $1 million bonus.

Matt Kenseth's crew chief Robbie Reiser was fined $30,000 after his car was too low following his victory in February at North Carolina Speedway.

Mark Martin's crew chief Ben Leslie was fined $50,000 after his car was a 1/8th-inch too low following last weekend's victory at Lowe's Motor Speedway, another $1 million No Bull 5 event.

Several longtime Winston Cup observers said they had no recollection of the rule book being quoted in any drivers' meeting they had attended.