Harvick's crew chief to serve suspension

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Kevin Harvick's crew chief will begin serving his four-race suspension this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the team said Thursday.

Todd Berrier was suspended this week for illegally rigging Harvick's fuel tank to appear full when it actually wasn't during qualifying at Las Vegas. Berrier was suspended for four races, fined $25,000 and Harvick was docked 25 points.

Richard Childress Racing is appealing the points deduction, and trying to have the suspension shortened. But the team owner doubted Berrier would be able to have the entire suspension lifted, so Berrier will begin it this weekend because Harvick has a proven track record at Atlanta.

He won his first career race there in 2001, his second event after replacing the late Dale Earnhardt.

Scott Miller, chief engineer at RCR, will replace Berrier this weekend.

"We are going to miss not having Todd at the race track, but we have great guys on this team that have been together for a long time," Harvick said. "Everybody is excited to keep this momentum we have and we don't plan on letting it get away. The guys are very motivated right now.

"Scott has been a big part of everything the team has going on, so I don't see a fall off at all. We had a great test at Atlanta and I think we will be one of the cars to beat."

Two other crew chiefs were suspended this week, but will be allowed to compete at Atlanta as they appeal their penalties.

Chad Knaus, crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, was suspended two races because their race-winning car failed inspection. Alan Gustafson, crew chief for runner-up Kyle Busch, was suspended for two races because Busch's car failed inspection.