*UPDATED March 5, 2008
We’ve just gotten into the week and already there is quite a bit of action. There are several penalties from Speedweeks being appealed, speculation regarding Carl Edwards’ “issue” and one open-wheel driver on the outside looking in. This should make for good run-up to Atlanta at the end of the week.
Several drivers at Daytona in the Nationwide Series we penalized for loose oil reservoir caps. I’m still not sure what the problem with this is, especially since they are claiming “aerodynamic advantage” in the process. The cars of David Stremme (64), Johnny Sauter (1) and Cale Gale (77) were each penalized 25 owner and driver points, $15,000 and had their crew chiefs suspended for 6 races for the infractions. The penalties of Stremme were recended. The penalties of Sauter were reduced, but his chief will still serve a two race suspension. Gale’s penalties were reduced, but his chief will serve a four race suspension.
These appeals will send a mixed signal on what to expect from Edwards’ impending punishment for a similar infraction. The only thing we know is that his victory will stand. Looking at the results of the appeals, it would be safe to bet he’ll appeal whatever NASCAR hands down. It also leaves up in the air what will be done regarding Robby Gordon’s appeal on his unauthorized nose clip.
Open-wheel driver, A.J. Allmendinger will be out of the 84 Red Bull Toyota for the Atlanta race this weekend. Having gone 0-for-3 in qualifying this season, and only 17-for-36 last season, Red Bull Racing will put Mike Skinner in the car to evaluate the program. Red Bull teammate, Brian Vickers, is so far 3-for-3 this season, and 13th in driver standings. Vickers had a strong finish to last season, and is continuing that run this season. Red Bull stated they are committed to A.J., but just need to get a better gauge for the team. Look for him to return in the next few races, whether Skinner is able to stabilize the team or get them into the top 35. A.J. has shown he can race, he just struggles with qualifying.
Look for my power rankings for Atlanta to be posted Friday.
*UPDATE
NASCAR has determined that the aerodynamic advantage Carl Edwards gained by not having an oil cap on the reservoir will cost him 100 point, plus the 10 bonus points for the win when points are reset at the beginning of the Chase, plus his crew chief has been suspended for six races. His win, though, will remain intact. This penalty is much more harsh than was handed out at Daytona for Nationwide Series cars.
Now, the fact that NASCAR did not take his victory calls into question the validity of their claim of an advantage. In fact, Rusty Wallace doubts that any advantage would be gained at a track such as Las Vegas. The idea that the open oil reservoir allowed for any advantage of air flow into the car to create more downforce seems ludicrous, at best. This is, in fact, a perceived advantage, at best. Though this is not the first time NASCAR has leveled absurd penalties at owner Jack Roush. In 1990, Mark Martin was stripped of 25 points for a violation that provided no advantage and only violated the “letter” of the rule, too tall a manifold spacer (his was bolted, if it had been welded, it would have been fine).
I don’t want to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but NASCAR has seemed to have it out for Roush for some time. The fact that Edwards’ penalty is four times that of other penalties, aside from the fact that it was even leveled to begin with, leaves one to wonder what NASCAR is thinking. This had nothing to do with the body of the car or the new design, itself. This was an oil cap that vibrated loose.
The good thing for Edwards is that with the Chase format, he won’t even miss the points at the start of the Chase. Jimmie Johnson was fined 100 points last year and ended up winning the championship. In fact, most of the drivers that ended up in the Chase last year could have sat out a race or two and still made the Chase. So, until they refine the Chase further, penalties will most likely not have much impact on championships.
Cinch up those belts and let’s go racing. JR
March 7, 2008 at 7:17 am
Lastest news is that Jack Roush might not even appeal the penalty. He acknowledges that the missing cover shouldn’t have happened and has designed a harness to keep the cover on the oil tank even if the bolts are removed. What looks bad for the 99 team is that the cover wasn’t even in the car.
That being said, I think he should appeal, and try for a reduction in the penalty. The NSCRC has, in light of their three rulings against NASCAR, been trying to send a message to NASCAR about the severety of their penalties that are being assessed as “black and white” judgements. They could reduce the penalty, even if there is no reason to rescind it.