Busch, Sauter each lose 25 points for COT infractions

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 5 and No. 70 teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H.

Both cars -- the No. 5 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch and the No. 70 Chevrolet driven by Johnny Sauter -- were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B, COT Technical Bulletin #3, dated 4/10/07 (failed to meet the minimum front car heights) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during post-race inspection last Sunday.

As a result, Kyle Busch and Sauter have each been penalized 25 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs -- Alan Gustafson and Robert "Bootie" Barker -- have each been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Sept. 19.

Busch drops from ninth in 10th in the point standings, 18 behind Martin Truex Jr. Busch is 29 points ahead of Clint Bowyer and 30 in front of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the No. 5, has been penalized 25 car owner championship points as has Joe Custer, the owner of the No. 70.

Each driver's finish in Sunday's race -- 11th for Busch and 14th for Sauter -- will stand.