William Byron’s crew chief suspended after Watkins Glen infraction

A pair of crew chiefs have been suspended, stemming from penalties incurred at this past weekend’s XFINITY Series race, the Zippo 200 at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.

No. 9 crew chief Dave Elenz and No. 28 crew chief Steven Lane were suspended one and three races, respectively. In addition, the No. 28 car chief Rick Markle was suspended three races.

Both penalties came from post-race inspection; the No. 9 failed post-race rear body inspection heights making the 10th-place finish of driver William Byron encumbered as part of L1-level penalty. Elenz was also fined $10,000 and the team assessed a loss of 10 driver and 10 owner points. The No. 28 failed overall vehicle weight.

“After communicating with NASCAR on the penalty incurred by the No. 9 team following last weekend’s race at Watkins Glen, we recognize and accept it," said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. “The team will move on to Mid-Ohio this weekend with engineer Brandon McSwain serving as interim crew chief for William Byron and the No. 9 Axalta team. Director of Competition Ryan Pemberton will help call the race from pit road on Saturday."