NASCAR docked Clint Bowyer 25 points, suspended crew chief Billy Scott three races and fined Scott $75,000 for a P4 penalty discovered in inspection on opening day at Chicagoland Speedway.
NASCAR also placed Scott on probation for six months after his suspension ends and penalized Rob Kauffman 25 car owner points.
Michael Waltrip Racing will appeal the penalties. NASCAR has requested the Appeals Administrator of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel expedite the appeal process.
The penalty drops Bowyer from 15th to 16th in the standings. He had 2,025 points and the penalty drops him to 2,000, nine behind Kevin Harvick.
“Michael Waltrip Racing respectfully disagrees with today’s penalties and plans to immediately appeal,’' the team said in a statement. “MWR has made mistakes in the past, but we feel we are correct in this instance. We look forward to the opportunity to present our case to the appeals committee and have no further public comment until the process is completed.’'
Among the infractions listed by NASCAR:
Section 20.14.c - All suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension and/or drivetrain component beyond normal rotation or suspension and/or drivetrain travel.
Section 20.14.2.1.k - Beveled washers and/or other components that allow movement under load will not be permitted on the track bar helm joins or rod end and/or track bar mounting bolts.
Section 12.5.3.4.1.d - Approved parts that are not properly installed or are made adjustable when not normally intended to be.
Section 12.5.3.4.1.f - Components, devices, systems, configurations, installations, etc., which serve to circumvent NASCAR templates, gauges, measuring devices, whether intended or not