Gibbs clarifies Loudon infringement

Busch and his team were penalised after their #18 Toyota was found to be lower than the minimum allowed for the left front after they finished fifth on Sunday at New Hampshire in the first race of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

However the team has stated that the left front spring became dislodged and that caused the car to be lower than normal.

"The situation was caused when the left front spring became dislodged," said a statement from JGR. "This resulted in the left front corner of the car to be lower and resulted in a change to the car's handling which had to be compensated for during the race. Consequently, the car measured low during post-race inspection.

"We accept NASCAR's ruling on the issue."

A year ago a failing part on the car's suspension at Loudon marked the start of the team's slide in the Chase standings after it had dominated the regular season, with Busch looking a clear favourite to clinch the title.

This time though the penalty has meant little as Busch remained 13th in the standings, having missed the play-off despite winning four races before the cut.