No. 07 Whelen Modified Team Penalty Upheld By National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The members of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel have unanimously decided today to uphold the original penalties issued by NASCAR to the No. 07 team that competes in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
The No. 07 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing.); 12-4-I (Any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules.); 20D-10.8.H (Tire or wheel warming, using heaters, blankets, micro-wave or any other method will not be permitted.); and 20D-10.84K (Tires that, in the judgment of NASCAR Officials, have been altered by unauthorized treatment will not be permitted: Tires were moved from outer pit area to pit road under a blanket. Three (3) change tires were confiscated and subsequently tested confirming unauthorized treatment.) of the 2013 NASCAR rule book. The violation was discovered in pre-race Sept. 29 at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway.
Section 9-4A (At all events, the crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his/her driver, car owner and team members, and may be subject to disciplinary action as a result.) of the 2013 NASCAR rule book was applied to the violation.
P.J. Fearns, crew chief of the No. 07 car, has been fined $3,000, has been suspended from NASCAR until the fine is paid and placed on indefinite NASCAR suspension.
The Appellant has the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.
Shawna Robinson
Waddell Wilson
Kevin Whitaker
Shawn Rogers – Appellate Administrator and non-voting member
Sources: NASCAR PR