WS: NASCAR statement on appeal

NATIONAL STOCK CAR RACING COMMISSION STATEMENT:

On April 21, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of Craig Raudman, crew chief of the No. 22 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West car. The appeal concerned penalties issued by NASCAR following post-race inspection on March 27, 2010, for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West event at All-American Speedway.

The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing;" Section 12-4-1: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR rules;" and Section 20C-12.3-T: "The left front shock absorber would not extend to the specified distance within the specified period of time."

The penalties assessed were:

Suspension from the next two (2) NASCAR K&N Pro Series West events. Suspension from NASCAR until May 26, 2010. Probation until December 31, 2010.

The Appellant argued that the ambient temperature was inordinately low by the time that the shock in question was presented for post-race inspection. He further argued that the slow rebound might have been caused by something getting into the bleed hole, or that that an internal component might have been affected by the car running over rumble strips during the race.

The Panel found the testimonies of both the Appellant and the car owner to be genuine, and generally accepted that the infraction was probably inadvertent on their part.

Nonetheless, the infraction was a clear violation of the Rule Book and the penalties issued by NASCAR were consistent with those issued for similar infractions at this level of the sport.

Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR.

The Appellant has the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer.

John Cooper
Janet Guthrie
Lyn St. James
George Silbermann - Appellate Administrator and non-voting member

-source: nascar