Seven Nationwide Series Teams, Including Earnhardt Jr., Penalized

[PressRoom-GFN]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2008) – Seven Nationwide Series teams have been penalized for rule violations that occurred during Speedweeks at Daytona International speedway, NASCAR officials announced Wednesday.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., team owner Rick Hendrick and crew chief Chad Walter received the stiffest penalties for spoiler violations that were discovered after practice on Feb. 14. NASCAR officials said the rear ends of the spoiler did not meet the specified height and the spoiler had been altered after passing template inspection in order to enhance the car's aerodynamic performance.

Earnhardt Jr. and Hendrick were each docked 50 points. Walter was fined $25,000 and suspended for the next six Nationwide Series races, until April 9, and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

In post-qualifying inspection on Feb. 15, officials discovered the oil reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely in five cars. The drivers and owners of those cars were: Kertus Davis/Johnny Davis for the No. 0; Johnny Sauter/James Finch for the No. 1; David Gilliland/Carl Haas for the No. 14; David Stremme/Ed Rensi for the No. 64; and Cale Gale/ DeLana Harvick for the No. 77. Each driver and owner has been penalized 25 points.

Crew chiefs Gene Allnutt [No. 0]; Newt Moore [No. 1]; Bob Edwards [No. 14]; Steve Darne [No. 64]; and Charlie Wilson (No. 77) have each been fined $15,000 and suspended for the next six races, until April 9, and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

Jerry Baxter, crew chief for the No. 99 Toyota driven by David Reutimann, was fined $5,000 and placed on probation until July 9 for the carburetor venturies exceeding the specified size. Officials said they found the infraction Feb. 12 during opening day inspection.

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