By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
After a thorough inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in North Carolina, Kevin Harvick’s win at Texas Motor Speedway will not count toward the Playoffs.
The No. 4 car from Stewart-Haas Racing was assessed an L1 penalty for violating section 20.4.13.a&b of the NASCAR rule book. The spoiler did not conform to the CAD file and drawing. The spoiler was found not to be exactly as supplied by the manufacturer.
As a result of the penalty, crew chief Rodney Childers has been fined $75,000 and suspended from the next two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series points events alongside car chief Cheddar Smith. The team lost 40 driver points and 40 owner points.
In the championship standings, Harvick sits only three points above the cutline with the possibility of not being able to advance to the championship round at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Stewart-Haas Racing will not appeal the penalty to remain focused on their championship efforts. Tony Gibson will be the interim crew chief while Nick DeFazio will the interim car chief.
Ryan Blaney was also assessed an L1 penalty by NASCAR for violating section 20.4.17.6.b (Door Front Crush Panels) of the NASCAR rule book. All filler panels were not permanently attached for the entire event.
Crew chief Jeremy Bullins has been fined $50,000 while car chief Kirk Almquist has been suspended for the next two Cup points events. The team has been assessed with a loss of 20 driver points and 20 owner points
The No. 20 team driven by Erik Jones was also assessed an L1 penalty by NASCAR for violating sections 20.4.h (Body) and 20.4.17.8.b (Package Tray). The rule book states that air cannot pass from one area of the vehicle interior to another and that the vehicle package tray must remain flat and straight, front to back, with one break.
Crew chief Chris Gayle has been fined $50,000 while car chief Jason Overstreet has been suspended for the next two points event. The team has been assessed with a loss of 20 driver points and 20 owner points.
There were no penalties in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
In the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the No. 35 truck driven by Brennan Poole was given a safety penalty for violating section 20.3.4 (Ballast Containers) by having a loss or separation of added ballast from the vehicle.
As a result, crew chief Ryan Bell, truck chief Jerry Kennedy and mechanic Patrick Magee have been suspended from the next three Truck series events through Feb. 20, 2019.
In behavioral penalties, NASCAR has indefinitely suspended Vincent L. Shull and Doug J, Campbell for violating Sections 12.1.a and 19 of the rule book.