NASCAR Penalizes Four Teams for Texas Rule Violations

It was not only the nine cars which were involved in the final laps' crash which emerged with scars from Texas on Monday, as NASCAR announced penalties against four Cup teams, for rule violations during the race.

Two crew chiefs (Robert "Bootie" Barker – No. 13 and Frank Kerr – No. 47 team) have been given each a $75,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until December 31 for unapproved added weight, use of unapproved engine cooling system components and failure to submit components for the radiator mounts.

Two car owners, Robert Germain (No. 13) and Tad Geschickter (No. 47) have been set back 50 championship owner points, as did drivers Max Papis and Marcos Ambrose. Rodney Childers, crew chief for the No. 00 team and Pat Tryson, crew chief of the No. 56 team have been fined $25,000 and also placed on probation until December 31.

All the teams found the penalties to be excessive, but didn't challenge NASCAR's decision.

"NASCAR indicated we were running a part, a radiator pan, which had not been officially submitted for approval. We accept NASCAR's ruling and will not appeal because we cannot debate whether the part was submitted, only whether or not the part needed submission," Cal Wells, executive vice president of Michael Waltrip Racing said.

"While the penalty feels excessive for an apparent misunderstanding on submitting a part, we also understand NASCAR has to police the sport and rule strictly to keep a level playing field among the teams," Tad Geschickter added.