Pocky's Paddock
A NASCAR BLOG BY Bob Pockrass
Tougher penalties needed during Chase
DOVER, Del. – It probably wasn’t a big deal, this shock that broke that wound up making the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing car too low. That’s probably why it was a 25-point penalty, a $25,000 fine and no suspension.
But if Kyle Busch was in the Chase For The Sprint Cup, there would be a much bigger uproar. No matter the explanation of the violation, a violation by a Chase competitor going for the title would be a big, big deal.
So it begs the question of whether penalties should be harsher – for the top 12 as well as those outside the top 12 – during the Chase than during the regular season.
It would be hard to say that any violation should result in an automatic two-week crew-chief suspension. But maybe that should be the NASCAR policy – and if the appeals board wants to say it was such a minor infraction that the suspension is not necessary, than so be it.
That might sound a little harsh. But think about all the Chase guys who finished behind Kyle Busch. Even though Busch was penalized, they don’t get to move up a spot and get the extra points. Kurt Busch, passed by Kyle on the final lap, could really use those five points back.
A penalty should be made to fit the crime. Considering the amount of money on the line and how precious the points are in the Chase, it seems that any crime during the Chase can have a bigger impact on the championship.
Bob Pockrass
Bob Pockrass began covering NASCAR in 1992, primarily covering short-track racing and events. He has been an associate editor at NASCAR Scene since 2003.
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Comments
3 responses to " Tougher penalties needed during Chase". Post a Comment.
tinynascarfan said:
Sep 25, 2009 at 1:31 PMAmen! if you are cheating then go home and watch the race next week. or at least put them in 43rd position, wheather they won or not.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMeg said:
Sep 30, 2009 at 3:20 PMI guess I look at it differently... If it was because of a shock that broke, then Kyle wasn't really cheating. It was an unfortunate mishap that occurred. During a Martinsville race in 2004, a chunk of concrete became dislodged in Jeff Gordon’s car when he hit it. WHAT IF Jeff was able to run better instead of having it put him out of the race ? Would that have been considered cheating ?? Hell no.. It wasn’t his fault, it was the fault of the track owner… He should have been fined for not having that track race ready..
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSTP43FAN said:
Oct 3, 2009 at 11:25 AMJohnson and Martin got away with one. The sport needs not only tougher penalties but it needs to single out the top teams for penalties; stop playing favorites and punish.
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