DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 11, 2008) – Penalties NASCAR assessed Germain Racing and driver Todd Bodine during Speedweeks were upheld Tuesday by the National Stock Car Racing Commission.
The three-member panel that heard the appeal said the NASCAR Craftsman Truck team clearly violated the rules. The panel consisted of Commission Chairman George Silbermann, Lowe's Motor Speedway President H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler and John Capels.
NASCAR officials issued the penalties after finding a device designed to reduce the bed panel height at the points of inspection during pre-qualifying inspection on Feb. 14. Team owner Steve Germain and Bodine each lost 25 points. Crew chief Michael Hillman Jr. was fined $10,000, suspended for the next four truck races and from NASCAR until April 30, and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
During the appeal, Germain Racing representatives argued the infraction was an inadvertent rules violation and the materials added were an attempt to shim the rear spoiler to meet the templates and gages. They also claimed the penalties were too severe for the infractions.
However, the Commission members said clear round inserts added in the inspection holes on the rear spoiler to bed panel height inspection appeared to be a blatant attempt to circumvent the inspection process.
After rendering its unanimous decision, the Commission members said since the crew chief's suspensions had been deferred pending the appeal, the four-race suspension from the series and the suspension from NASCAR would be adjusted accordingly, effective from the date of the hearing.
Germain Racing may appeal the decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.
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03-11-2008, 11:33 PM
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