Track Smack: Breaking down the HMS penalties (cont'd)

Dave Rodman: They didn't run into them, they created them. They specifically and intentionally warped the rules trying to get an advantage, and that should not have been taken lightly.

Joe Menzer: And remember, they now still have to overcome losing their crew chiefs for six weeks. That's the biggest dual blow to these teams.

Penalties announced

Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson were hit with severe penalties on Tuesday following their infractions at Sonoma.

• Complete story, click here
• Same penalty, different effects
• Menzer: Precedent already set
• Caraviello: To be a crew chief
• Head2Head: Repeat offenders
• Hendrick will not appeal penalties

Dave Rodman: If you want to make an impact, make it a 10-race suspension. Right up to the Chase. As it is, Jimmie Johnson might be on the verge of a breakdown -- since he said he was already freaking out about points.

Joe Menzer: Geez, this whole sport is run in a gray area about 90 percent of the time. Are you kidding me? Ten races would have been too many.

Raygan Swan: No, they don't deserve to have their heads cut off, but evidently the intent was there and we are talking about Chad Knaus. Besides, it doesn't matter if J.J. doesn't have Chad, he still wins races and still wins championships.

Joe Menzer: Well, this will be the longest stretch he hasn't had him in a while.

Raygan Swan: I agree and I think the punishment was fitting and really isn't going to hurt these competitors, they are too freaking dominant.

Dave Rodman: I don't buy them "thinking" it was a gray area, either. Either go to the R&D center or have an inspector come to the shop -- ask a specific question about what you want to do and save yourself all the trouble -- and potential penalties.

Raygan Swan: Word Roadman, you tell 'em brutha!

Joe Menzer: Let me ask you guys something: Why, back in the day was it kind of, um, cool when Junior Johnson would try to bend the rules, which he did virtually every week, and now it's considered so darn severe?

Dave Rodman: Well, the deal is, bending the rules is a NASCAR tradition. I'm not saying NASCAR is trying to add "cheating" to the list that includes "North Wilkesboro," "Rockingham," "Southern 500" and "Occoneechee Speedway," but these penalties do make you think twice.

Raygan Swan: I bet Gordon went home and played with his baby and didn't give it a second thought. 'Oh Ella, they think 100 points will faze my lead, goo goo gaa gaa!'

Joe Menzer: It's part of the fabric of the sport, to try to get around the rules a little bit. And if you get caught, well, you pay this price. This is certainly a bigger price than teams had to pay in the past.

Dave Rodman: I wish someone had asked them in the media briefing at Sonoma whose idea it was?

Raygan Swan: Chad, duh! He's the pro.

Dave Rodman: Chad and Stevie should have looked at Doug Duchardt and said, "It was him!"

Raygan Swan: I'm picking on Chad today because he's not talking about the issue and I don't think that is right.

Joe Menzer: Um, Roadman, weren't you on the road at Sonoma? Why didn't you ask the question? (Continued)