Potential violation involved allegedly modifying a side skirt
CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR officials said that they are reviewing a potential infraction by a Hendrick Motorsports crew member for allegedly altering the body panels of the No. 48 Chevrolet of driver Jimmie Johnson in Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.
A NASCAR spokesperson said after post-race inspection at Charlotte Motor Speedway that the potential violation involved allegedly modifying a side skirt — the lower body panel ahead of the rear tires — late in the 110-lap race. The tactic, designed to help gain an aerodynamic advantage by helping airflow over the rear of the car, was widespread at the end of 2014, but was banned by NASCAR’s competition department in the offseason.
The spokesperson said NASCAR officials will potentially rule on the issue early next week.
The Team Penske No. 2 team of Brad Keselowski was penalized for a similar infraction earlier this season, just before Coors Light Pole Qualifying at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. The team was handed a P2-level penalty under the NASCAR deterrence system, placing crew chief Paul Wolfe on probation through the end of the year.