Tweet
No. 48 loses no points, Knaus fined $25,000
NASCAR on Tuesday suspended crew chief Chad Knaus for the next three Nextel Cup races for modifying the rear window of Jimmie Johnson's car before qualifying for the Daytona 500.
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said Monday morning that barring unforeseen circumstances, the organization would not appeal what they feel is a certain NASCAR suspension of crew chief Chad Knaus.
Knaus, who was ejected from the 500 for the infraction, will miss this week's race at California, the March 12 race at Las Vegas and the March 19 race at Atlanta.
He also was fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
Johnson, who won the Daytona 500 with lead engineer Darian Grubb filling in for Knaus, said he and the team were prepared for a four-race suspension based on past history.
NASCAR gave Todd Berrier, the crew chief for Kevin Harvick, a four-race suspension last season for rigging the gas tank during qualifying. Knaus will have missed four races when he returns for the March 26 race at Bristol.
Without saying four races would be unfair, Johnson reminded Knaus already has missed the biggest race of the season.
"From my standpoint, we've been through a lot already for a qualifying infraction,'' he said.
Knaus' situation has made it somewhat difficult for Johnson to enjoy the victory. David Letterman questioned him about it on Monday night. It was the main topic on a Tuesday afternoon national conference call before the penalty was announced.
"There's nothing I can do about it,'' Johnson said. "I can tell you after this and what this experience has taught us, we'll be walking on the right side of the line for sure.''
Knaus' suspension was the result of rigging a device that pushed the rear window out more than three-quarters of an inch, creating an aerodynamic advantage.
NASCAR officials called the violation a blatant attempt to break the rules.
• NASCAR also penalized the Hall of Fame Racing team driven by Terry Labonte for using an unapproved carburetor for qualifying in the 500.
Crew chief Philippe Lopez was fined $25,000, Labonte was penalized 25 championship points and team owner William Saunder was penalized 25 owner points
NASCAR on Tuesday suspended crew chief Chad Knaus for the next three Nextel Cup races for modifying the rear window of Jimmie Johnson's car before qualifying for the Daytona 500.
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick said Monday morning that barring unforeseen circumstances, the organization would not appeal what they feel is a certain NASCAR suspension of crew chief Chad Knaus.
Knaus, who was ejected from the 500 for the infraction, will miss this week's race at California, the March 12 race at Las Vegas and the March 19 race at Atlanta.
He also was fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.
Johnson, who won the Daytona 500 with lead engineer Darian Grubb filling in for Knaus, said he and the team were prepared for a four-race suspension based on past history.
NASCAR gave Todd Berrier, the crew chief for Kevin Harvick, a four-race suspension last season for rigging the gas tank during qualifying. Knaus will have missed four races when he returns for the March 26 race at Bristol.
Without saying four races would be unfair, Johnson reminded Knaus already has missed the biggest race of the season.
"From my standpoint, we've been through a lot already for a qualifying infraction,'' he said.
Knaus' situation has made it somewhat difficult for Johnson to enjoy the victory. David Letterman questioned him about it on Monday night. It was the main topic on a Tuesday afternoon national conference call before the penalty was announced.
"There's nothing I can do about it,'' Johnson said. "I can tell you after this and what this experience has taught us, we'll be walking on the right side of the line for sure.''
Knaus' suspension was the result of rigging a device that pushed the rear window out more than three-quarters of an inch, creating an aerodynamic advantage.
NASCAR officials called the violation a blatant attempt to break the rules.
• NASCAR also penalized the Hall of Fame Racing team driven by Terry Labonte for using an unapproved carburetor for qualifying in the 500.
Crew chief Philippe Lopez was fined $25,000, Labonte was penalized 25 championship points and team owner William Saunder was penalized 25 owner points
for INNOVATER of the YEAR !! IMO 
. . j/k
Comment