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Drivers warned to 'keep it straight' pre-race

Robin Pemberton, NASCAR Vice President of Competition and Racing Development, hints at last year's Richmond incident in drivers' meeting

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NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton issued a brief, but firm warning in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers' meeting Saturday afternoon in light of the scandal that rocked the sport in this race a year ago.

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"Keep it straight ... please," Pemberton said two hours before the green flag for the Federated Auto Parts 400 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC). "Do a good job and good luck."
 
The reminder came as the series prepares to set the 16-driver field for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup playoff field in Saturday night's regular-season finale. Two spots are up for grabs among 19 possible drivers eligible to secure postseason berths, either through their position in points or a clinching victory.
 
Last season, Michael Waltrip Racing incurred historic penalties after it was determined that the team manipulated the results of the 400-lapper to allow Martin Truex Jr. into the Chase. The team was fined $300,000, Truex was removed from playoff contention and each of its three drivers were stripped of 50 points in the championship standings.

There will also be a competition caution at Lap 50 of Saturday's race.

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