Martin Truex Jr. was penalized 10 positions by NASCAR for speeding on pit road at the end of Saturday's race. Credit: Autostock

Truex speeding penalty 'a little harsh'

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Martin Truex Jr. said getting penalized 10 positions for speeding on pit road despite not having any power at the end of Saturday's Nextel Cup race at Phoenix was "a little harsh."

Truex's No. 1 Chevrolet ran out of fuel two laps from the finish of the Subway Fresh 500 and he coasted to a stop in his pits as the white flag waved.

Martin Truex Jr.

NASCAR informed the team Monday that Truex was guilty of exceeding the speed limit on his way into the pits.

"It's just frustrating to race hard all day in the front and end up getting penalized for something I couldn't help on pit road," Truex said. "When the engine is off, there is no [tachometer to read].

"I honestly tried not to speed and thought I had the car down to pit road speed when I was coming down. I'd like to see how fast were going, that's for sure."

After running in the top 10 for much of the event, Truex fell back to 23rd during a green-flag stop but was able to make his way back to 12th near the end of the race.

Crew chief Kevin Manion cautioned Truex about his fuel situation -- and the driver attempted to do what he could to make it to the finish without stopping.

"I did what I could to help, but we're racing out there and every position counts," Truex said. "I just wish we could have earned another top 10 and not end up getting docked all those positions for speeding on pit road there at the end.

"I think the penalty was a little harsh. It's disappointing to run around the top 10 all day and not get that finish. In my eyes, I feel we finished 12th and didn't get the finish we deserved.

"The guys were great on pit road and it would have been a nice finish for their hard work. But, [NASCAR is] the ones who said we were speeding and there isn't much you can do about it except go on to the next race."