NASCAR cracks down on body modifications at Chicagoland

NASCAR penalized Danica Patrick’s crew chief Daniel Knost and car chief Pete White on Wednesday for failing pre-qualifying inspection for the Chicagoland Speedway Sprint Cup race on Sept. 18. 

The P2 level penalty stemmed from infractions relating to Sections 12.1, 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book — the right side quarter panel behind the rear wheel/tire of the No. 10 GoDaddy Chevrolet was modified during pre-qualifying inspection. Knost and White are on probation until the end of the year.

Clint Bowyer's team was also issued a P4 level penalty after Chicagoland, which involved Michael Waltrip Racing adding/manipulating components to get the track bar to move (Read More Here).

Xfinity penalties

The Nos. 18 and 54 Toyotas of Joe Gibbs Racing also received penalties following the Xfinity Series events at Chicagoland Speedway. 

Daniel Suarez’s crew chief Eric Phillips and car chief John Egbert Jr., are on probation until Dec. 31, 2015 for modifying right side skirts on the No. 18 Arris Toyota following pre-race inspection. The P2 level penalty comes from violating Sections 12.1 and 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book on Sept. 19.

Suarez finished sixth on Saturday and is currently seventh in the NXS point standings.

Following Kyle Busch’s victory in the Furious 7 300 at Chicagoland Speedway, NASCAR announced that the No.54 Monster Energy Toyota had not passed height requirements in post-race inspection. 

Stemming from the P2 level penalty (Sections 12.1, 20.17.3.2.1. b & c, 20.17.3.2.2.b & c, 12.5.3.2.1.f, 12.5.3.2.2.a.b & d of the NASCAR rule book), NASCAR fined crew chief Chris Gayle $12,500 and placed him on probation until the end of the year. NASCAR also docked car owner J.D. Gibbs 10 championship owner points.