DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR has issued penalties to the No. 14 team as a result of a rules infraction committed during last weekend’s events at Daytona International Speedway.
The team was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book); and 20-2.1J (unapproved open vent hose inside of the car). The violation occurred during post-qualifying inspection July 6.
As a result, crew chief Steve Addington has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Car chief Jeff Meendering has been placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Driver Tony Stewart and owner Margaret Haas have been penalized with the loss of six championship driver and six championship owner points, respectively.
The following is a statement from Greg Zipadelli, competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing, regarding today’s penalty levied by NASCAR against the team’s No. 14 Sprint Cup Series entry driven by Tony Stewart for a post-qualifying rules infraction July 6 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.
“While we respect and accept NASCAR’s decision, we want to be clear that there was no malicious intent. In a rush to replace a cracked rear windshield that happened during tech inspection prior to qualifying, we jostled a cooling hose that was behind the seat. We understand NASCAR’s position and will abide by its decision.”
– Greg Zipadelli, Competition Director, Stewart-Haas Racing
Stewart remains in 5th place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup points standings despite the loss of points.
