Cope loses 25 points for Texas rule violation

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- One fine and two penalties have been issued to the No. 74 Dodge team competing in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule violations last week at Texas Motor Speedway.

Due to violations of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20-5.9G(1) (external modifications to the intake manifold deemed impermissible unless authorized by the Series Director) of the 2006 Nextel Cup Series Rule Book, crew chief Domenick Turse was fined $50,000; driver Derrike Cope was penalized with the loss of 25 driver championship points; and car owner Ray McGlynn was penalized 25 owner championship points.

The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection.