Roll Bar Padding = $25,000, Points & Probation says NASCAR

If E=mc², then Roll Bar Padding = $25,000, Points & Probation …says NASCAR!

The results of the two-day investigation convinced NASCAR that Robby Gordon did throw a piece of padding onto the track at Atlanta, and officials issued a harsh penalty to discourage other drivers from doing the same thing in the future.  

NASCAR reviewed NBC’s coverage from Sunday’s Atlanta race to determine if Gordon in fact threw debris onto the track. The footage provided two clear angles, and officials followed up with a re-inspection of Gordon’s car.

Penalties Issued by NASCAR:

• Robby Gordon fined $15,000, 50 drivers points & 50 owner points. (Why? Robby Gordon violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-N (intentionally causing a caution condition during the race) – of the NASCAR Rule Book.
• Greg Erwin (Robby Gordon’s Crew Chief) has been fined $10,000 due to violations of Sections 12-A and 12-4-N – and 9-4-A (crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his/her driver, car owner and team members) – of the NASCAR Rule Book.
• Both Robby Gordon & Greg Erwin have been placed on probation by NASCAR until December 31,2006.

I have to give a lot of credit to Jeff Burton, for a man to get that mad and not use foul language once, is very respectful. But it would’ve made a unique showing if he dropped the f’ bomb about it, but that would also meant more fines issued.

Robby Gordon received what he deserved, as far as NASCAR’s penalty goes. NASCAR will now, more than likely, monitor and chart all roll bar padding inside these cars now.

But Robby Gordon isn’t the first driver to throw debris, or cause his own caution. Robby Gordon has simply been made the poster-boy of this issue, hopefully it’ll make drivers think otherwise. Am I fan of Robby Gordon? No, and will never be (Just don’t like the guy).

Robby Gordon’s team would not admit guilt in this situation. Of course, Robby Gordon’s team is going to appeal NASCAR’s decision. If they didn’t, they would admit their guilt

Does the fine effect the team? No. Does the points effect the team? Yes.

NASCAR should focus more on taking away points when it comes to penalties. For any NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team, who spends $10-20 million/year to compete, $15,000 is nothing to them. If NASCAR starts issuing larger points penalties, you’ll see some things start to change.