Matt Kenseth heavily penalised by NASCAR for rule violations
NASCAR has heavily penalised Matt Kenseth and Joe Gibbs Racing due to rule violations discovered during a post-race inspection of his engine after his win at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, although the victory itself will still stand
Series officials determined that Kenseth's engine was in violation of rule 20-5.5.3 (E), which states that 'Only magnetic steel connecting rods with a minimum weight of 525.0 grams will be permitted'.
He was also found to be in breach of rules relating to actions detrimental to stock car racing, and the use of race equipment that does not conform to the regulations.
In addition to being docked 50 championship points, Kenseth's Kansas win will not earn bonus points in the event that he makes the Chase.
Additionally, the win will not count towards a wildcard entry to the Chase, and his pole award will not count towards next year's Sprint Unlimited.
Joe Gibbs has lost 50 championship car owner points, in addition to losing the bonus points that would have contributed toward the entry's final aggregate car owner points at the end of the season, as well as eligibility for a car owner wildcard spot.
He has also had the owner's licence for Kenseth's #20 entry suspended for the next six races, meaning that it will not earn owner's points during that period.
Kenseth's crew chief Jason Ratcliff has been fined $200,000 and suspended for the next six point-scoring races as well as the non-championship All-Star Race, and placed on probation until the end of the year.
Finally, engine manufacturer Toyota was docked five manufacturer points.
JGR responded with a statement saying that it intends to appeal the penalties.
"Joe Gibbs Racing is aware of the penalty issued by NASCAR today regarding the engine in our #20 car used in last week's Sprint Cup Series race in Kansas," it said.
"It is our understanding that one of the eight connecting rods on the engine was ruled too light. We are working with our partners at TRD on this issue. In the meantime we will plan to appeal the penalty."
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