CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 5, 2008) – All of the penalties NASCAR assessed JD Motorsports during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway have been upheld by the National Stock Car Racing Commission, it was announced Wednesday.
During post-qualifying inspection on Feb. 15, NASCAR officials found the oil reservoir tank cover was not fastened securely. Car owner Johnny Davis and driver Kertus Davis each lost 25 points. Crew chief Gene Allnutt was fined $15,000, suspended from NASCAR for the next six races, until April 9, and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
JD Motorsports representatives argued to the three-person Commission panel that the missing bolt at the corner of the cover was inadvertent; that it did not constitute a performance advantage; that the penalties were too severe for the infraction; and that the disallowance of their qualifying time at Daytona should factor into the subsequent penalties.
The Commission panel, comprised of Chairman George Silbermann, Dale Pinilis and Jo Dewitt Wilson, said the movement of the cover resulting from the missing bolt was evident. Therefore, the original penalties were upheld.
It also was noted that Allnutt began serving his suspension last week, and the adjusted penalty notice would be corrected to reflect the matter.
JD Motorsports may appeal the decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.
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