NASCAR penalizes Nationwide Series teams

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – NASCAR announced Wednesday that Chris Rice, crew chief for the No. 28 Chevrolet driven by Kenny Wallace and Jimmy Means, crew chief for the No. 52 Chevrolet of driver Brad Teague, have been fined and placed on NASCAR probation due to rule violations during the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Memphis Motorsports Park.

Rice was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008 for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules); 12-4-Q(2) (if, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, a car, car component, engine, engine component or any other part or related equipment that has been previously certified by NASCAR for use in an event pursuant to Section 8-12 has been altered, modified, repaired or changed in any manner prior to or during the event without prior notification to and approval by NASCAR) and 20A-16.1B (fuel cell – safety foam did not meet the minimum specified height) of the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book.

Rice was fined an additional $1,000 for violation of Section 12-4-A; 12-4-Q and 20A-12.1B(3) (rear coil spring exceeded the maximum specified height).

Additionally, Wallace was docked 100 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points and car owner Mimi Fitz was penalized with the loss of 100 NASCAR Nationwide Series owner championship points.

The infractions were discovered during post-race inspection on Oct. 25.

As a result of pre-race inspection on Oct. 24, Means was fined $5,000 and placed on probation also until Dec. 31, 2008 for violating Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20-A-5.10.1B(3) (carburetor venturis exceeded the specified size). He received a second fine of $1,000 for violating 12-4-A, 12-4-Q and 20-A-14.1B (non-approved rear brake caliper).