Dumbrell Penalised for NZ Incident

In a first-ever mid-week Stewards Hearing for the V8 Supercar series, Dumbrell was found guilty of reckless driving by the Stewards at a hearing at the CAMS National Office in Melbourne, Australia, imposing a penalty of a fine of $15 000 and a deduction of 75 championship points.

The incident which led to the charge involved Dumbrell making contact with Craig Baird when Baird moved across the track and slowed as Jamie Whincup rejoined the track after sliding off a slightly damp track. As Baird moved across and slowed, Dumbrell went to Baird's right, eventually ending up on the grass as Baird continued to move over, not aware of Dumbrell's position.

Eventually the two cars made contact, sending both cars spinning and bouncing off the guard rails, luckily only one other car sustaining damage in the incident. However, both Baird and Dumbrell's cars were badly damaged, and with associated debris, caused the race to be red flagged before it could be restarted.

Dumbrell was found guilty of a similar charge by the stewards last season, of failing to exercise reasonable care in attempting to overtake at the Clipsal Adelaide 500. He was initially penalised 50 points and fined $10 000 but his team took it to the V8 Supercar National Court of Appeal and successfully overturned the ruling.