NASCAR Statement
September 11, 2013 – NASCAR is aware of reports about the #22 and #38 radio communications at Richmond International Raceway and is looking into it, but has yet to see anything in full context that requires any action.
September 12, 2013 – NASCAR is continuing to gather all the facts from last Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway. NASCAR will have no further comment until all the facts have been examined.
NASCAR has issued penalties to Michael Waltrip Racing following the sanctioning body’s review of Saturday’s race at Richmond International Raceway.
MWR was found to have violated Section 12-4 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing). As a result, MWR’s three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (No. 15, 55, 56) have been penalized with the loss of 50 championship driver and 50 championship owner points, respectively.
These point penalties are assessed following the season’s 26th regular season race and not after the seeding for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Therefore, the point total for the No. 56 car driven by Martin Truex Jr. is reduced to 691, putting him in 17th position and eliminating him from the second Wild Card berth for the Chase field. Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 car, now moves up into the Chase as the second Wild Card participant.
NASCAR has also fined the MWR organization $300,000 and indefinitely suspended Ty Norris, MWR Executive Vice President/General Manager and spotter for the No. 55 car, for violating Section 12-4. The three crew chiefs – Brian Pattie (No. 15), Scott Miller (No. 55) and Chad Johnston (No. 56) – have all been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.
“Based upon our review of Saturday night’s race at Richmond, it is our determination that the MWR organization attempted to manipulate the outcome of the race,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “As the sport’s sanctioning body, it is our responsibility to ensure there is a fair and level playing field for all of our competitors and this action today reflects our commitment to that.”
Check out the photo gallery of the ‘Last Chance Race to the Chase’ at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 7, 2013.
NASCAR Statement after the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond
After controversy in the closing laps of the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond, NASCAR issued the following statement.
“NASCAR is reviewing Saturday night’s race at Richmond International Raceway per protocol and has no plans for further statement until that process is complete.”
Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Kellogg’s / Cheez-It Ford, races to the checkered flag to win during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 56th Annual Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on September 7, 2013
Photo – Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Saturday night in Richmond was expected to be wild, but it turned out to be even crazier than thought possible. It truly came down to the last few laps and one caution changed everything. A Clint Bowyer spin with seven laps to go shook up the Chase positions along with conspiracy-theorists again. Carl Edwards managed to sneak out with the victory and three more bonus points heading into the Chase. This night was far more complicated than imaginable and it will have people talking for a long time. Continue reading