Here we are again as NASCAR has handed down another penalty just days following a Nextel Cup race. After a two-day investigation including re-inspecting Gordon's #7 Chevrolet and watching some of NBC's race footage, NASCAR announced earlier today that they have two clear views of roll-bar padding came from Gordon's car to cause a debris caution with 30 laps to go that helped Gordon in getting the lucky dog and hurt chase contender Jeff Burton.
The penalty, for Robby Gordon himself was a fine of $15,000, a loss of 50 driver and 50 owner points and put on probation until the end of the year. In addition, Gordon's crew chief Greg Erwin has been fined $10,000 due to violations of Sections 12-A and 12-4-N -- and 9-4-A (crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his/her driver, car owner and team members). Erwin also has been placed on probation until Dec. 31. (Read more...) ('06 Cup Series penalties..)
My Thoughts: These penalties are some what in line with what NASCAR has handed-out in years past to drivers, but the penilty doesn't fit the crime, he got off to easy, what about $25,000 fine, loss of 50-100 driver and 50-100 owners points and disqualified from the race resulting in 43rd place points and money, that would make drivers think twice.
One thing I don't understand is why the crew chief got fined and put on probation for, I read the the rule book wording, but he wasn't driving the car or caused the caution with debris, that I don't understand. Nevertheless, whats done is done, hopefully other drivers will see this and not try it. Thats it.
