Truck Series crew chief suspended for four races
The infraction was found during opening-day inspection at the track and the fuel cell was never used that day on the track.
Kendrick, the crew chief for Jason White, was fined $2,500 and suspended through Sept. 7. He will be on probation through the end of the year. He will appeal the suspension and serve as crew chief this weekend at Pocono Raceway.
NASCAR did not issue a points penalty against White nor the team.
The fuel cell of the No. 23 truck was found to have an unapproved fuel cell top rack location with the top rack not secure to the top of the fuel cell container. White was penalized for that as well as an unapproved modification to a certified fuel cell container because the container exceeded dimensions.
"I respect NASCAR for keeping a level playing field for all competitors," Kendrick said in a statement. "However, I don't feel like the fuel cell in question was an illegal part. My history in this sport should indicate that there was no intent to deceive NASCAR's rule book.
"I feel that the penalty handed down by NASCAR was extensive for this particular violation and hope that the appeal board will consider our case due to the evidence we have to present."