Commission rescinds penalty against No. 64

The National Stock Car Racing Commission on Monday heard and considered the appeal of Rusty Wallace Racing. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following post-qualifying inspection on Feb. 15 for the Nationwide Series race at Daytona.

The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing"; Section 12-4-Q "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules" and Section 20A-8.4C: "The oil tank reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely."

Stremme

The penalties assessed were:

• Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Ed Rensi.

• Loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series Championship Driver Points for driver David Stremme.

• $15,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR from the next six NASCAR Nationwide Series events; suspension from NASCAR until April 9; and probation until Dec. 31 for crew chief Steve Darne.

In deliberating, the Commission also considered Section 20A-2.1L of the Rule Book concerning the passage of air into or out of the car.

After reviewing the testimony and evidence presented during the hearing, the Commission determined that the cover appeared to be fastened. All bolts appeared to be fully engaged. The slight deflection at one corner of the cover which gave rise to the penalty was arguable, given the overall design of the oil tank reservoir encasement.

Therefore, by a majority decision, the National Stock Car Racing Commission decided to rescind the penalties assessed by NASCAR.

Related:
• Moore suspension reduced but No. 1 penalties stand
• Commission reduces fine against No. 77 crew chief