Benson, crew chief receive penalties for test violations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR announced Tuesday that Bill Davis Racing's No. 23 Toyota team in the Craftsman Truck Series has been penalized for rule violations committed last week during a test session at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Three penalties have been assessed to the team, including driver Johnny Benson and crew chief Trip Bruce, for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-J (permitting a non-NASCAR licensed driver to drive the No. 23 truck) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book.

Bruce was fined $10,000 and suspended until May 30, 2007, which includes the next two Craftsman Truck Series championship events, Friday night's event at Lowe's Motor Speedway and next weekend's race at Mansfield Motorsports Park.

Benson was penalized the loss of 50 championship driver points and truck owner Gail Davis was penalized the loss of 50 championship owner points.

Benson was seventh in the standings before the penalty and drops back into a tie for eighth, with Travis Kvapil. Gail Davis is in an identical position in the owner standings.

The violation occurred during a test session on May 10, when Mike Lichty was allowed to drive Benson's truck and crashed it, on the first day of a two-day test. The team was ejected from the test at that time.

"We agree with the penalties NASCAR has issued to the 23 team and we will deal with them accordingly," Bill Davis said. "NASCAR has rules and policies in place to keep the drivers and crew members safe and we appreciate their vigilance in this instance."

The team said in Bruce's absence, truck chief Billy Hagerthey will serve as crew chief.

A team spokesperson said Davis planned no in-house sanctions at this time.