NASCAR Hands Penalties to Martin Truex Jr.

It appears the No 1 Chevrolet car driven by Martin Truek Jr. during the Chicagoland race the past weekend was not compliant with the NASCAR rules. According to a press release from the North American series, Truex Jr's entire team was handed a bunch of penalties following the post-race inspection on Saturday.

Quoting from NASCAR's report announced earlier today “Martin Truex Jr., driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, crew chief Kevin Manion and car owner Teresa Earnhardt have been penalized for rule violations during last weekend’s event at Chicagoland Speedway.”

“The three were penalized for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); Section 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and Section 20-12.8.1C (right rear quarter panel height did not meet the required specifications; too high in post-race inspection).”

“Truex was penalized 25 points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver standings. Manion was fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2009. Earnhardt was penalized 25 points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series owner standings.”

Truex Jr ended the LifeLock.com 400 on Saturday night in 16th place, earning 115 points in the drivers' standings (which will now turn to 90). Nevertheless, that won't affect his position in the overall classification too much, as he has very slim chances (if any) for qualifying for the Chase this year (24th overall, 475 points behind 12th placed Matt Kenseth).