Roy McCauley, crew chief for the No. 2 Dodge, was suspended until Nov. 1. Credit: Autostock

McCauley suspended, team loses 50 points

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announced Wednesday that penalties have been issued to the Nextel Cup Series No. 2 Dodge team as a result of rule violations last week at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

THE BLAME GAME Kurt Busch qualified the No. 2 Dodge third for the race at Lowe's Motor Speedway, but a failed inspection dropped him to 41st on the grid. Roy McCauley blamed it on a faulty shock.  •   Complete story, click here

Crew chief Roy McCauley has been fined $25,000 and suspended from all NASCAR events until Nov. 1, 2006. McCauley has also been placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2006. Driver Kurt Busch was penalized with the loss of 50 driver championship points and car owner Roger Penske was penalized 50 owner championship points.

The penalties resulted from 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 20-12.3M (right rear shock absorber would not compress) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule Book. The infraction was discovered during post-qualifying inspection on Oct. 12.