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In an unusual reversal, of previous rulings of this type, a three-member NASCAR appeals panel substantially reduced penalties imposed on Joe Gibbs Racing for an underweight engine part on Matt Kenseth's car.
Following the 2003 Sprint Cup Champion's victory at Kansas Speedway, on April 21st, a post race inspection of the winning engine found one of eight connecting rods to be less than three grams underweight.
NASCAR deducted 50 points from Kenseth, suspended crew chief Jason Ratliff for six races, suspended owner Joe Gibbs (from points in six races not physical suspension) and fined Ratcliff $200,000.
The panel, chosen by NASCAR, reduced Kenseth's points penalty to 12 points, reinstated a potential points bonus in the Chase, and reduced Ratcliff's suspension to only one race.
Joe Gibbs contended that since this engine (and underweight part) were produced by a third party, i.e. Toyota Racing Development, his team did not have any intent to “cheat.” In fact they argued that the eight connecting rods, taken as a group, averaged to be over the minimum weight.
What was unusual in this ruling, the first step of the appeals process, is that in approximately 70 per cent of the previous appeals the panel of this type has supported the initial NASCAR findings. For example last's week's affirmation of the penalties to Penske Racing - which were later reduced at the second and final appeals level.
The sanctioning body was not pleased with the outcome of its' own appeals panel.
“Our sport has a due process system in place that has served the sport very well for more than 65 years,” said NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp after the ruling was read. “And that due process resulted in this decision here today. While we are disappointed in today's outcome, we stand firmly behind our inspection process.
“The inspection of engines and engine parts and pieces has always been regarded as the Holy Grail throughout the industry. That, along with fuel and tires. And in violations such as these, we have no other recourse in the reinforcement process than to penalize the team owner and team members. That's how our system works. The responsibility for such infractions falls on their shoulders. Our intensity and approach to inspecting engines will not change. We take this ruling and we move on to Darlington.”
Here's the text of the panel's findings:
Upon hearing the testimony, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to amend the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.
The amendments are as follows:
• Crew chief Jason Ratcliff: The $200,000 fine remains intact; NASCAR suspension now covers one championship points event. In addition, he will be placed on NASCAR probation until the completion of the next three championship points events following his reinstatement;
• Car owner Joe Gibbs: Loss of championship owner points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Driver Matt Kenseth; Loss of championship driver points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Manufacturer: The loss of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturer championship points has been increased to seven.
Following the 2003 Sprint Cup Champion's victory at Kansas Speedway, on April 21st, a post race inspection of the winning engine found one of eight connecting rods to be less than three grams underweight.
NASCAR deducted 50 points from Kenseth, suspended crew chief Jason Ratliff for six races, suspended owner Joe Gibbs (from points in six races not physical suspension) and fined Ratcliff $200,000.
The panel, chosen by NASCAR, reduced Kenseth's points penalty to 12 points, reinstated a potential points bonus in the Chase, and reduced Ratcliff's suspension to only one race.
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| Matt Kenseth and Jason Ratcliff. (Photo: NASCAR) |
Joe Gibbs contended that since this engine (and underweight part) were produced by a third party, i.e. Toyota Racing Development, his team did not have any intent to “cheat.” In fact they argued that the eight connecting rods, taken as a group, averaged to be over the minimum weight.
What was unusual in this ruling, the first step of the appeals process, is that in approximately 70 per cent of the previous appeals the panel of this type has supported the initial NASCAR findings. For example last's week's affirmation of the penalties to Penske Racing - which were later reduced at the second and final appeals level.
The sanctioning body was not pleased with the outcome of its' own appeals panel.
“Our sport has a due process system in place that has served the sport very well for more than 65 years,” said NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp after the ruling was read. “And that due process resulted in this decision here today. While we are disappointed in today's outcome, we stand firmly behind our inspection process.
“The inspection of engines and engine parts and pieces has always been regarded as the Holy Grail throughout the industry. That, along with fuel and tires. And in violations such as these, we have no other recourse in the reinforcement process than to penalize the team owner and team members. That's how our system works. The responsibility for such infractions falls on their shoulders. Our intensity and approach to inspecting engines will not change. We take this ruling and we move on to Darlington.”
Here's the text of the panel's findings:
Upon hearing the testimony, it was a unanimous decision by the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to amend the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.
The amendments are as follows:
• Crew chief Jason Ratcliff: The $200,000 fine remains intact; NASCAR suspension now covers one championship points event. In addition, he will be placed on NASCAR probation until the completion of the next three championship points events following his reinstatement;
• Car owner Joe Gibbs: Loss of championship owner points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Driver Matt Kenseth; Loss of championship driver points has been reduced to 12. All other components of his penalty were rescinded;
• Manufacturer: The loss of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturer championship points has been increased to seven.