The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted dual raids Tuesday on the home of DC Solar CEO Jeff Carpoff in Martinez, California, and DC Solar’s headquarters in Benicia, California, according to reports by the San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News and the Martinez Gazette.
DC Solar is a sponsor of Chip Ganassi Racing in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series. The company was the primary sponsor for Kyle Larson‘s No. 42 Chevrolet in 13 Cup races last year and for three races on Jamie McMurray‘s No. 1 Chevy. It sponsored 10 Xfinity races with Ganassi, but it was announced last month as the sponsor of Ross Chastain’s full-time move to Xfinity in 2019.
It sponsored Xfinity Series races at ISM Raceway on March 10 and at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sept. 15. The company also sponsors the new infield “FanGrounds” at Richmond Raceway.
According to the Mercury News, witnesses saw FBI agents tow cars from the Carpoff’s home, and a source told the outlet that computers, cell phones and receipts were taken from the residence.
Both outlets reported the raid on the Carpoff’s home included roughly 20 agents.
The Carpoff’s lawyer is Armando Gomez, a member of the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
According to the firm’s website, Gomez “concentrates his practice on a broad range of tax controversy matters, as well as transactional and planning situations.”
Gomez provided the following statement:
“The Carpoff family was surprised and disappointed with the actions taken by the government earlier this week, which appear to relate to an ongoing tax dispute. They are long-time residents and supporters of the Martinez community who believe in our country and all that it stands for. The Carpoffs are grateful for the support of their friends and family, and have trust in the system to resolve this matter in a fair and just manner at the earliest opportunity so that they can continue to grow their business, which brings clean, reliable, renewable power to first responders and others whenever and wherever needed. Until that time, they will have no further comment on this matter.”
Chip Ganassi Racing issued the following statement:
“Although we have received little in the way of facts, we are aware of the situation with DC Solar and are monitoring it closely.”
NASCAR declined to comment.
