Crew Chiefs Fined and Suspended
Winner Jimmie Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus was fined $35 000 and suspended for two races for a car that was too low when checked post-race. As well, Jimmie Johnson was fined 25 points and the car's owner, Jeff Gordon, was fined 25 owner points. This drops Johnson from first to second in the points, ten behind 2004 champ Kurt Busch
Meanwhile Johnson's teammate and second place finisher Kyle Busch had a car that was found to have too high fenders in post-race inspection. For this, his crew chief Alan Gustafson has been fined $25 000 and also suspended for two races. Busch was also penalised 25 points and the car's owner Rick Hendrick 25 owner points.
A fifth place finish for Kevin Harvick was a great recovery after starting from 42nd, but Harvick's starting position came after he was penalised for violation relating to a fuel cell that appeared to be holding 22 gallons but in fact contained only five or less.
This saw his crew chief Todd Berrier, who has admitted he would be willing to take a similar risk in the future, fined $25 000 and suspended for four races. Harvick was also penalised 25 points while his owner Richard Childress was penalised 25 owner points.
Rick Hendrick, whose Hendrick Motorsports runs both Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch's cars along with those of Jeff Gordon and Brian Vickers, intends to appeal the penalties given to Johnson and Busch. Said Hendrick: "In this particular instance, though, we disagree with the severity of NASCAR's stance and plan to appeal their decision. I want to make it clear that we in no way intentionally ignored guidelines and I'm certain everyone understands that."
Three other crew chiefs received small fines for minor rules violations.
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