Severe penalties levied against Waltrip Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has confiscated the primary car of the No. 55 Toyota team that competes in the Nextel Cup Series with driver Michael Waltrip, as a result of rule violations found during pre- and post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500.

Crew chief Larry (David) Hyder and the team's vice president of competition Bobby Kennedy have been ejected from this week's events at Daytona International Speedway and suspended indefinitely. Hyder also has been fined $100,000.

NASCAR also penalized Waltrip with the loss of 100 driver points. His qualifying time from pole day on Feb. 11 was disallowed.

Michael Waltrip

The car owner, cited by NASCAR as Waltrip's wife, Elizabeth Waltrip, was also penalized 100 owner points.

"During preparations for the 2007 season and especially the 2007 Daytona 500, I specifically requested that our competition teams not disrespect NASCAR, our competitors or our sponsors by blatantly circumventing the rules," Waltrip said in a team statement released Wednesday night.

"This is not the action of an organization, a manufacturer or a sponsor. This was an independent act done without consent or authorization from me or any of my executive management team. As an owner, I realize I am ultimately held responsible for the actions of my employees. Therefore, I accept the penalties issued tonight by NASCAR.

"I respect NASCAR's rules, its people and the sport's integrity, which is why I am so sad and embarrassed. I am dedicated to get to the bottom of this because I will not let the independent act of an individual or individuals tarnish the incredible accomplishment my organization has made to be where we are today."

The actions taken by NASCAR resulted from violations of 12- 4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules) and 20-15.2C (gasoline must not be blended with alcohols, ethers or other oxygenates).

When asked how long indefinite might be, NASCAR vice president for competition Robin Pemberton said "that's very long. When it decides it wants to, the team can apply for them to be reinstated." (Continued)