Waltrip hit with heavy penalty

Waltrip's crew chief was fined $100,000, Waltrip himself docked 100 driver points and his wife Buffy penalised 100 owner points.

The penalty has overshadowed Toyota's entry into the top level of stock car racing after his Camry - one of three entered by his own team - was found to have an illegal substance in its fuel system both before and after qualifying last Sunday.

The substance was detected by NASCAR inspectors in the engine's intake manifold, which NASCAR's vice president of competition Robin Pemberton described as "silicone-like". He denied it was as a result of the use of aviation fuel, but also rubbished a theory originally put forward that it was a by-product of the use of head gasket sealant.

"Anything around fuel to enhance horsepower is something we will not tolerate," said Pemberton. "A team not guaranteed to get in the race crossed the line to ensure themselves a spot in the Daytona 500. That's all there is to it."

In a statement, Waltrip said: "This is not the action of an organisation, a manufacturer or a sponsor. This was an independent act done without consent or authorisation from me or any of my executive management team.

"As an owner, I realise I am ultimately held responsible for the actions of my employees. Therefore, I accept the penalties issued tonight by NASCAR.

"I respect NASCAR's rules, its people and the sport's integrity, which is why I am so sad and embarrassed. I am dedicated to get to the bottom of this because I will not let the independent act of an individual or individuals tarnish the incredible accomplishment my organisation has made to be where we are today.

"I want to apologise to the other owners, who know how hard I've worked to get here in such a short period of time, NASCAR, Toyota, NAPA, all my sponsors, the drivers and especially the fans."

NASCAR confirmed on Wednesday that it has confiscated the primary car of Waltrip's #55 Toyota as a result of the violations. Crew chief David Hyder and the team's vice president of competition Bobby Kennedy were publicly ejected from Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday morning and suspended "indefinitely".

NASCAR has deleted Waltrip's qualifying time from pole day on Sunday, and the only way he can qualify for the Daytona 500, which he has won twice previously, is via Thursday's Gatorade Duel 150 qualifying race in his back-up car.

Waltrip was found guilty of actions detrimental to stock car racing; car, car parts components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules and the rule which states gasoline must not be blended with alcohols, ethers or other oxygenates.

The confiscated car and parts related to the violations will be transported to the NASCAR Research and Development Centre in North Carolina for further inspection. NASCAR said the investigation of the confiscated car is ongoing.