NASCAR suspends Knaus for six weeks

[deloxon]

NASCAR has issued penalties, suspensions and fines to the #48 team in the Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rules infractions found on Feb. 17 during opening day inspection for the Daytona 500. The #48 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the rule book or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event); and 20-2.1E (if in the judgment of NASCAR officials, any part or component of the car not previously approved by NASCAR that has been installed or modified to enhance aerodynamic performance will not be permitted -- unapproved car body modifications). As a result, crew chief Chad Knaus and car chief Ron Malec have been suspended from the next six Sprint Cup Series championship events, suspended from NASCAR until April 18 and placed on NASCAR probation until May 9. Additionally, Knaus has been fined $100,000. Driver Jimmie Johnson and car owner Jeff Gordon have been penalized with the loss of 25 driver and 25 owner points, respectively.(NASCAR)
AND Hendrick Motorsports will appeal sanctions announced by NASCAR related to the #48 Sprint Cup Series team. "Our organization respects NASCAR and the way the sanctioning body governs our sport," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "In this case, though, the system broke down, and we will voice our concerns through the appeal process." Adjustments to #48 team personnel are not planned while the appeal is ongoing.(Hendrick Motorsports)(2-29-2012)

I knew this was going to be big, yikes

 

[JenVarsity]

If I remember correctly, this modification that NASCAR finally caught was completed LAST season? Knaus has been suspended four times previously. I believe all four were for unapproved modifications as well.

 

[Bryce]

Serves them right, in my opinion they asked for it. You can't do modifications and hope to get away from it. Hopefully it serves as a lesson for other teams...

 

[WarEagle64]

It sucks to think they won so much by cheating!

 

[JenVarsity]

Logically, this means that there is an underlying problem as well. The vehicles are inspected prior so obviously someone else did not catch the modification either. While it is trashy that the team feels the need to buck the system, the system is not always working the best either.

 

[goodselfme]

Wow, these are stiff penalties for a major infraction. Jeff Gordon might have another car, but with this hanging over also has the label not easily tossed aside.