NASCAR Announces Penalty

Michael Kranefuss, team owner for the No. 12 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team has been fined $50,000 and crew chief Peter Sospenzo, has been suspended from NASCAR until June 6, 2000 for violations of the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "the use of altered fuel or fuel other than the official fuel at the Event."

In addition to the fine and suspension, Jeremy Mayfield, driver of the No. 12 car, will suffer a loss of 151 driver points. A reduction of 151 owner points also has been levied.

"Through a routine post-race fuel sampling, we found a foreign substance in the fuel of the No. 12 car following the race at Talladega," said Mike Helton, NASCAR's Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "We took several fuel samples and the sample from the No. 12 car read considerably different than the sample that was taken from our fuel source on site.

"Due to the scope of this violation, it was necessary to go to outside laboratories to confirm our findings. In addition, numerous discussions were held with the laboratories, team members and specific individuals to be as exact and fair as possible. It is up to NASCAR to ensure the competitors in the garage area know everyone involved is on a level playing field."

Kranefuss and Sospenzo's penalties were deemed in violation of Section 8-8 in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "If... any car part, equipment or fuel used by a Competitor does not meet NASCAR specifications..." and Section 12-4-AA: "Use of altered fuel or fuel other than the official fuel at the Event..." and Section 12-4-A: "... action(s) deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing or to NASCAR..."