Joe Gibbs Racing's Dave Rogers realizes Michigan incident was a big mistake

By Lee Montgomery - Associate Editor
Tuesday, November 25, 2008

ORLANDO, Fla. - Joe Gibbs Racing Nationwide Series crew chief Dave Rogers admits he likely was caught up in a “moment of paranoia” when he helped engineer one the series’ biggest cheating scandals of 2008.

After the Michigan race in August, NASCAR tested horsepower of several cars via a chassis dynomometer. But NASCAR inspectors discovered magnetic spacers under the gas pedals of JGR’s No. 18 and No. 20 Toyotas designed to project lower, false horsepower readings.

Toyota has been ordered to run a smaller tapered spacer on its engines after NASCAR said the manufacturer had a horsepower advantage.

Rogers, crew chief of the full-time No. 20 team, and Jason Ratcliff, crew chief for the No. 18 Camry, were indefinitely suspended. Four other JGR crew members were also suspended, and both teams were docked 150 points.

Rogers, who was also penalized by JGR, has since been reinstated by the team and was in attendance for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Awards Banquet in Orlando, Fla., Saturday. Ratcliff was there, too.

Rogers remains under NASCAR suspension, and Nationwide Series Director Joe Balash said if he and the other suspended crew members apply for a 2009 NASCAR license, the sanctioning body will then review the application.

“Sometimes you get caught up in the moment, and that’s probably what I did,” Rogers said Nov. 21. “We were being attacked pretty hard in the media through our competitors. We had rules sanctioned against our manufacturer. We had a fantastic season going, a record-breaking season going. I probably just got caught up in the moment of paranoia: ‘Everybody is trying to ruin this. We have a wonderful thing going on, and everyone’s trying to take it from me.’ I probably just got caught up in that.”

JGR won 19 of 35 races in the series in 2008, including six in a row before the engine rule change.

Rogers was the butt of several jokes in activities surrounding the awards banquet. Champion Clint Bowyer jokingly called Rogers a “ghost” at a dinner honoring both championship teams on Nov. 20.

But Rogers isn’t worried whether he’ll carry the “cheater” label.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Rogers said. “I made a mistake, and I owned up to that mistake, and I didn’t make excuses. If you look back at my career, if you consider why I still work for Joe Gibbs Racing, that’s proof that throughout my career I’ve been an upstanding citizen. I don’t generally make these mistakes, and I feel the competitors I race against respect me for that.

“I know who I am. I know myself well enough to know that generally I don’t do that sort of thing. I had a lapse in judgment, made an error, but I don’t make a habit of it.”

Rogers said all the penalized crew members remain at JGR. Rogers said some of the crewmen who were suspended knew nothing about the incident and others were doing what they were told.

“Jason and I got the brunt of the penalty, and we should’ve,” Rogers said.

But Rogers is ready to move on.

“I can’t continue to beat myself up over it – although I have for a long time,” Rogers said. “I just have to be thankful for [team owner] Joe and [JGR President] J.D. Gibbs that they sought after my heart and said, ‘Where was your mind when you made this decision? How do we know that you’ll never do it again?’ They decided to keep me on board. I’ve just got to move on.”

Comments

16 responses to "Joe Gibbs Racing's Dave Rogers realizes Michigan incident was a big mistake". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    Andrew Briscoe said:
    Nov 25, 2008 at 5:55 PM

    I wonder what gave him the idea it was a big mistake: The indefinite suspension by NASCAR or JGR's punishments?

    I don't know why he did it, nor do I really care. NASCAR reinstates those that break the rules when they serve out their punishment. His was "indefinite" and NASCAR will reinstate him when they see fit. If that means he sits out 2009, then so be it. Trying to make your engine give out a false reading though is a big infraction, and deserves a penalty fitting that.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  2. 2
    John Muth said:
    Nov 25, 2008 at 10:06 PM

    Gotta love his honesty about the whole situation. He didn't try to pass it off on a lower crew member, or make up some "mistake" that happened. He got caught, admitted his mistake, and served the penalty. I think someone like that deserves to come back more than the liars that say it was a "mistake". At this level, there are no mistakes!

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  3. 3
    Sarah Oxfurth said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 1:11 AM

    I think, in comparison to the light sanctions handed to the repeat offender Chad Knaus, that NASCAR offered up an especially harsh penalty in "indefinitely" suspending him, even possibly into 2009. Of course, I think it's bull that NASCAR imposed the rule in the first place-isn't the whole point of racing to get as much horsepower as you can within the guidelines you are given for your motor?

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  4. 4
    greg smith said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 9:16 AM

    The job of a crew chief is to push the rules to the limit and try to get by with anything they can to gain a competative edge. I do not look down on anyone that gets caught breaking the rules. This is what competition is all about.It is the crew chiefs job to push the rules to the limit and NASCARs job to catch the people who break the rules.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  5. 5
    Ronald Schwalbe said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 9:46 AM

    Sarah, you are completely correct ! The engines never should have been measured in the FIRST place !
    First off - I am NOT a Toyota fan - - BUT----
    NASCAR gave everyone the rules and specs and THEN -in typical fashion, PUNISHED those who actually achieved !
    The spacers were simply an "old school racing" effort to beat "Big Brother" at it's own game!!
    NASCAR ASKED for that type of reaction by saying - "Here's what you CAN do to your engines...." - -and then punishing the teams that were successful within those rules !! Why measure the horsepower in the FIRST place if all the engines are within spec ??
    This is the way the game has been played since the very beginning - it's what made it interesting - until it was recently decided racing is no longer a COMPETITION !!! It should now be a fabricated, controlled EXHIBITION !
    Read ANY of NASCAR's racing history and you'll enjoy learning about the creativeness and innovations of : - Junior Johnson, The Wood Brothers, Gary Nelson, "Suitcase" Jake Elder, Holman-Moody, Smokey Yunick, Robert Yates, - ROBIN PEMBERTON - - etc -etc - - the great history and lore of NASCAR racing that made it so interesting, competitive, and enjoyable - - - It's too bad so many of the newer fans think we should no longer keep score at Little League games and EVERYBODY should get a " participation trophy" - - it's UNFAIR if some one "gets an edge" by working harder - -- Since all the cars and engines now are supposed to be completely Karl Marx equal, the only thing missing is testing the DRIVERS and making sure none of THEM have an "unequal advantage" or are trying to - "Get an EDGE" over the others - - -

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  6. 6
    spd bmp said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 2:19 PM

    Sarah,

    While I see your point in regards to Chad, at least consider THIS... the incident with "The Claw" - it FIT!!! A gray area for sure in terms of deciding to adjust the areas that weren't to be in contact, but come on, "The Claw" fit. The crux of the issue in my humble opinion is the history of NASCAR changing the rules in mid-season to fit what they desire. Why create a rulebook with so much latitude? I say just turn 'em loose and let NASCAR decide who get's to race when they get there - pretty much the same result, but at least then, everybody would face the same risks.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  7. 7
    Scott Baker said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 2:42 PM

    Ronald, while I agree with the crux of your arguement, your statement of the penalty is inaccurate. They were penalized for modifying the vehicles to affect the outcome of the testing. Nothing to do with the engine design, the horsepower produced, etc.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  8. 8
    Jay Hauser said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 4:54 PM

    This whole situation would never have happened if Nascar wasn't in the habit of penalizing teams for doing their jobs better than the rest. Your engine makes too much power, but it's legal within the rules, so we'll just put restrictors on them. Nice to know that when you have a competitive edge, Nascar will do whatever they can to take it away.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  9. 9
    Werner Boehmert said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 5:35 PM

    trying to alter the test ticked off NASCAR, the HP figures, whatever they would have been would not have resulted in any penalties...ya don't mess with NASCAR...someday Rogers will find himself working for NASCAR right beside robin pemberton, competition director for NASCAR...a former rules bender...

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  10. 10
    Dale Skiles said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 6:47 PM

    Greg, I'm sorry but there is a big difference in "pushing the rules to the limit" and telling Nascar you think they are stupid. And since when is cheating competative

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  11. 11
    Karen said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 7:56 PM

    I'm with Dale Skiles on this one. Cheating is wrong, and those who do cheat should be held responsible for their actions. NASCAR has these rules and regs for set reasons, they aren't just there as suggestions. But tell me, did I read it right? Did those suspended crew chiefs get to go to the banquet even AFTER getting busted cheating??

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  12. 12
    Tim the Fan said:
    Nov 27, 2008 at 8:13 AM

    Boo Hoo, feel sorry for me. Did anyone really notice the words in this article. "I sometimes get caught up in the moment and that's PROBABLY what I done." " I know myself well enough to know that GENERALLY I don't do that sort of thing." " I DON'T make a HABIT of it." There were also other remarks in his statement about how he never, or seldom, or make a habit, of this kind of behavior. It's a cop out. He got caught and he will do it again one day if the need arises. Is it fair or right? No. Is it necessary? More than likely with NASCAR's current parity rules. Go back to the "old days" bring what your brought, race what you bring and win until someone puts out something better than you have!!!!

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  13. 13
    bill c o bb said:
    Nov 27, 2008 at 11:21 AM

    I personally know Dave (Bill from GM) and he once told me that working for Joe was on a different level because NO CHEATING of Rules would be tolerated. The issue is with the Toyota motor. It's really not a legal NASCAR block because its not an iron block. Its a cast graphite material. This shows up on the dynos, not as a HP gain but a torque gain. Hence the advantage coming out of the corners. Recall that Toyota tried to get Chevy motors but GM refused. So Toyota designed a brand new race optimised configuration and has it working. Note that Chevy and Ford have their cast graphite motors coming, (R07) but they are way behind. Toyota chose JGR to get the motor expertise already learned from the Chevy R07 thermals and the technology used by GM and JGR to fine tune the block modal signatures.
    So in fact, its a NASCAR problem for allowing the Toyota block material. Oops

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  14. 14
    Sarah Oxfurth said:
    Nov 27, 2008 at 9:28 PM

    Yeah Bill I can see that. I mean what bothers me is this is an engine NASCAR approved! They said, "here are the specifications...you can change what you want as long as THESE specifications match." They did. But, yet, when they made those specifications WORK, NASCAR shackled them...rather than telling GM, Ford, and Dodge to "Step it up, buddy, they're kicking your rear, sorry." NASCAR (in league with Hendrick, IMO) said, "OH NO! Toyota has the ever-dreaded ADVANTAGE (and it's not Hendrick!)" so they just had to do something...that something was a spacer that no one else had to run...how exactly is that fair??

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  15. 15
    Sarah Oxfurth said:
    Nov 27, 2008 at 9:29 PM

    Weird-that last past (No. 14), my first sentence said how hard I'd tried to get that past the sensors (yes, I intentionally mis-spelled that because they apparently caught the correct way of saying it), and I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. I wish they'd let us post adult messages instead of treating us like 9th graders.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report
  16. 16
    ron hudo said:
    Dec 3, 2008 at 9:12 AM

    this is not the first time nascar has limited a manufacturer, if you have followed racing since the 80's you should remember that ford had to use smaller restrictor plates in the 80's. as a matter of fact the restrictor plate was introduced because three of the 4 gm cars had a problem with lifting and flipping at speeds over 200 miles per hour. this just shows that nascar has a history of moves like this.

    Report Abuse

    This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.

    » Confirm Abuse Report

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Feb 9, 2010 at 4:09 PM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

NASCAR Schedules

spd

Gatorade Duel 1

Daytona International Speedway
02:00 PM, 02/11/2010

Poll PositionView All

After qualifying and the Budweiser Shootout, who is the favorite to win the Daytona 500?

Promotions

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account