NASCAR’s weekly cheater penalties

NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #5 and #70 teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H.

Both cars, the #5 Chevy driven by Kyle Busch and the #70 Chevy driven by Johnny Sauter, were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B, COT Technical Bulletin #3, dated 4/10/07 (failed to meet the minimum front car heights) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during post-race inspection last Sunday.

As a result, Kyle Busch and Sauter have each been penalized 25 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs, Alan Gustafson and Robert ‘Bootie’ Barker, have each been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Sept. 19. In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #5, has been penalized 25 car owner championship points as has Joe Custer, the owner of the #70.