NASCAR suspends JR Motorsports crew member, puts Eury Sr. on probation

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Thursday, May 29, 2008
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Crew members from the teams of JR Motorsports' Brad Keselowski and Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin converge on pit road May 24 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Jason Smith
Getty Images for NASCAR

NASCAR suspended JR Motorsports crew member Michael Sandlin for one race for actions during a postrace shoving match between the crews of Brad Keselowski and Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin following Saturday night's Carquest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Sandlin was penalized for failing to follow a NASCAR official’s directive and inappropriate contact with a NASCAR official for contact that occurred during the confrontation between the two crews on pit road.
 
Sandlin also was fined $1,500 and put on probation until Oct. 15.
 
Two other JR Motorsports crew members were penalized, including crew chief Tony Eury Sr., who was fined $1,000 and put on probation until June 25 for being responsible for the action of his crew members.
 
Crew member Jordan Allen was put on probation until Oct. 15 and fined $1,500 for failing to follow a directive from a NASCAR official and inappropriate contact with a NASCAR official.
 
The crews engaged in a heated argument on pit road after the NASCAR Nationwide Series race. At the time, Keselowski was upset with the way Hamlin raced him. Keselowski bumped Hamlin during a late caution period and Hamlin retaliated with a hard hit into Keselowski’s right front fender. Team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., also competing in the race, then bumped Hamlin while the race was still under caution.
 
None of the drivers were penalized.

Mentioned Drivers: Brad Keselowski

Comments

47 responses to "NASCAR suspends JR Motorsports crew member, puts Eury Sr. on probation". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    Anonymous said:
    May 28, 2008 at 7:51 PM

    I could have sworn I heard in the off-season that NASCAR and the officials we're going to lay back on fines and penalties due to altercations behind the wall...

  2. 2
    emily bagwell said:
    May 28, 2008 at 7:54 PM

    Thank you, NASCAR, for continuing to reward JGR and its Smart Alec drivers. At least you are consistent with this. Did you reprimand Denny Hamlin for his actions on the track and talking as if the cup guys had more right on the track than the Nationwide boys---also his remark--"Throw a rock,and I'll throw a brick" What a joke all this is. I guess it's OKAY for some to show emotions but not eveyone--is that it?

  3. 3
    Patsi Wilbanks said:
    May 28, 2008 at 8:21 PM

    Once again NASCAR has been totally unfair in its actions...why not make the same rules apply to EVERYONE! Baby Butt Kyle can go into anyone's pit and spout off at the mouth then run and hide like a coward. We are all so sick of NASCARS stupid game....it will never be the same and ticket sales are showing the decline...let Toyota buy someone else,,,,we're done!

  4. 4
    George Rice said:
    May 28, 2008 at 8:25 PM

    Once again NASCAR shows it's love for TOYOTA's drivers and gives them all the breaks. It is time we turn the TV off and e-mail NASCAR with a protest.

  5. 5
    debbie kitz said:
    May 28, 2008 at 8:39 PM

    I do not understand why only JR motorsports and their crew chief were fined and put on probation. Denny Hamlin should be put on probation.His actions were unsportmanlike his comments appaling. I once was a fan of his but ever since an altercation last year with Kyle Petty I wondered who does he think he is? His better than everyone attitude makes me sick. Tony Stewart can pull off the attitude by backing it up on the track with experience and championships,while Hamlin has won a few races .Nascar should be more fair .

  6. 6
    emily bagwell said:
    May 28, 2008 at 9:23 PM

    Where are all the JGR fans expresssing your pleasure about this. This is sooooo not right!!!

  7. 7
    Carole Hart said:
    May 28, 2008 at 9:30 PM

    Nascar is wrong once more. Denny Hamlin should be penalized for what he did to Brad's car.Even if Brad gave Denny a nudge from the rear Denny tore off Brad's fender. What about Denny saying on the radio he was going to get Brad and then did this. If you penalize one side both sides should be penalized. This is what makes Nascar loose fans and popularity. Not the driver's but the unfair decision making by Nascar. You let the whiney baby win again. Concerned Nascar Fan

  8. 8
    Billie Brooks said:
    May 28, 2008 at 11:20 PM

    I'm sure all the Jr. detractors will be in here soon with their smart arse remarks, just take it with grace and dignity and consider the source from which it comes. No, this is NOT a debatable subject, if one team is penalized so should the other team!!!. Sure hope Stewart gets smart and puts some distance between himself and JGR!

  9. 9
    Billie Brooks said:
    May 28, 2008 at 11:35 PM

    Does anyone have a contact email address for NASCAR? I will write and express my feeling's, not that it would do any good, just make me feel better!

  10. 10
    Patrick Lloyd said:
    May 28, 2008 at 11:44 PM

    It's no surprise that NASCAR let JGR get away with it. Even after Hamlin admitted that he wrecked Kezelowski(sp?)on purpose and made it clear he would not hesitate doing it again to any other driver. It's obvious that NASCAR picks and chooses who gets punished and who doesn't even when they commit the same actions. Obviously,if your name is Denny Hamlin or Kyle Busch,you can get away with anything.

  11. 11
    Patrick Lloyd said:
    May 29, 2008 at 12:07 AM

    For the record,I'm not a fan of Dale Jr or Jr Motorsports,but I am a fan of fairness and consistency. Obviously,Hamlin should have been penalized for his actions and both Denny and Brad's pit crews should have been penalized for their part in the post-race altercation.

  12. 12
    Worm Dirt said:
    May 29, 2008 at 2:21 AM

    I couldn't agree with you guys MORE!!! Why should Nascar continue to be biased towards any one single driver?!?!? It's just NOT FAIR!!! I'm so mad I could spit!!!!! We can't just sit here and take this everyone.........Let's set up an e-mail campaign directly to the highest office at Nascar.... and DEMAND that Dale Junior be fined and penalized or suspended for passing a car under caution to retaliate with a bump to Denny's fender!!!!! Hypocrites UNITE!!!!! WE CAN'T LET OUR SPORT BE HIJACKED LIKE THIS!!! Unbelievable?!?!?!?

  13. 13
    Worm Dirt said:
    May 29, 2008 at 2:21 AM

    I couldn't agree with you guys MORE!!! Why should Nascar continue to be biased towards any one single driver?!?!? It's just NOT FAIR!!! I'm so mad I could spit!!!!! We can't just sit here and take this everyone.........Let's set up an e-mail campaign directly to the highest office at Nascar.... and DEMAND that Dale Junior be fined and penalized or suspended for passing a car under caution to retaliate with a bump to Denny's fender!!!!! Hypocrites UNITE!!!!! WE CAN'T LET OUR SPORT BE HIJACKED LIKE THIS!!! Unbelievable?!?!?!?

  14. 14
    M. Sanderson said:
    May 29, 2008 at 7:16 AM

    Gibbs has the terrible twosomes,,,,The next photo I expect will be Kyle and Denny sitting at the starting line sucking their thumbs and lamenting how nice the world would be if Jr. didn't race. These two need to grow up before they seriously take somebody out. Envy is a ugly trait to have and nothing good ever comes from it.

  15. 15
    D Treadway said:
    May 29, 2008 at 7:30 AM

    Worm Dirt - boy does your name fit! I believe both teams should have been penalized, again, Nascar is playing favorites with the gibbs teams. Both Denny and Kyle are very immature jerks. If I were both of them, I'd be looking out my rearview window at all times on the track, they've made too many enemies. I also hope Tony Stewart sees what is happening, and moves on to bigger and better.

  16. 16
    Teresa Geer said:
    May 29, 2008 at 7:36 AM

    Worm, yes, here is your first Dale Jr fan. Jr went up to bump him, he didn't take off a fender like denny did brad. I do agree that Nascar should fine everyone that was involved in the arguement later in the race. But once again NASCAR can't seem to keep the rules in place for everyone. Kyle Busch needs to get over being let go from Hendrick Motor. He needs to let go of the jealous and hatred that he has before someone seriously gets hurt by his no care attitutde that he annouces all to well. JR Nation will never and I say NEVER will route for that has been BUSCH!!!!!! Come on JR Nation. Speak your mind to some of these people......

  17. 17
    Francine D'Alonzo said:
    May 29, 2008 at 7:47 AM

    The issue is NASCAR's inconsistency. A penalty for tapping a car (no damage) from the rear by a driver in the "learning" series should be expected. BUT an "experienced" cup driver with malice, throwing an on track tantrum, damaging another car under caution is unacceptable, and should not be tolaterated. I have to believe NASCAR doesn't want to offend TOYOTA. This, NASCAR is why you are losing fans.

  18. 18
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 29, 2008 at 9:30 AM

    Jr nation you want a little chesse with that whine. Tony Eury SR. was fined b/c he is responible for the entire crew. The other 2 were suspened b/c they throwed punches and just happened to hit NASCAR officals. Man no wonder they can't win, they can't tell the difference between offical uniforms and z line uniforms. Good lord the last month of JR. Nation whining make Jeff Gordons seem so small.

  19. 19
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 29, 2008 at 9:37 AM

    Francine yea NASCAR's Inconsistency is right. Someone please explain to me why Dale Jr. was not penatilized for 5 violations he commited at the 600. Jr nation, when you Email nascar to complain about this ask them about him in the 600. Also please boycott watching it NASCAR doesn't care they have the T.V. Deals done for the next couple of years I'm Sure they won't miss you one bit. I sure if they come out with new toliet paper with 88 on it you will buy it. no maybe tissue's

  20. 20
    S Beau said:
    May 29, 2008 at 9:54 AM

    I can see why the few members were punished, after all they apparently made contact with an offical. No matter how you slice that, its a major offense. But I still don't understand why Hamlin wasn't hit with a penalty. While Brad wasn't in the right for bumping Hamlin's car...it was just that, a bump (which is nothing new to the sport). If anything Brad probably messed up the nose of his own car. If he did that earlier in the race, it would have probably messed up his handeling, punishing himself. But here we have Denny lecturing us all about conduct in Cup....while exhibiting none of which he speaks in a Nationwide event. Shame the Cup drivers don't open their eyes to the fact that, 1)the regulars have more to lose and gain on Saturday's then they do. 2) They are partly to blame as to why the regular teams can't find sponsorships 3)And that they are the main reason the Busch points gets so spread out.

  21. 21
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 29, 2008 at 11:05 AM

    Does anyone here know if Whiskey River serve WHENINKIN?????????????????

  22. 22
    Juniegirl said:
    May 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM

    Why should anyone be fined? This is racing you people. Does anyone remember the first televised Daytona 500? If you don't have the stomach for it, go watch ballet or something. Short track racing roots is all about slamming, banging, and fighting. It is not meant to be a politically correct sport. BUT, if NASCAR must fine, then be fair. Fine both teams. If they looked at the replay, they would see Hamlin's crew chief smiling right after he hit the 88. That sucks.

  23. 23
    Juniegirl said:
    May 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM

    Everyone knew when JGR went with Toyota that they would be catered to by NASCAR, and they have. If Toyotas are allowed to keep winning so much, NASCAR will definately loose fans.

  24. 24
    Chris Pontiff said:
    May 29, 2008 at 1:59 PM

    I didn't see Denny's crew rushing over to pounce on Brad. That is why Brad's team gets the penalty and not Denny. It wasn't for what happened on the track and if Brad would not have been antagonizing Denny then maybe he would have still had a left front fender. And as for anonymous on the first comment. NASCAR wanted drivers to show more emotion yes, but i don't think they want the crews going after a single driver. Thats just ridiculous. So to end with all this was started with Brad. First by bumping Denny under caution and then by his crew rushing after Denny. And once again if you think Toyota is being favored then come on. I recall in the Coke 600 Dale Jr was favored by having his speeding penalty taken back. God forbid is Kyle would have been the one, You all would have been outraged even more.

  25. 25
    Juniegirl said:
    May 29, 2008 at 3:26 PM

    Denny stopped in front of Brad and that's why Brad bumped him to start with. Watch the replay. One of the replays show Hamlin slowing right down in front of Brad. With Hamlin's smart tail comments after the race, you would think HE had several championships or something. HA HA! What a jerk. His teamate Stewart brake checked the restart in the 600 like that too. Wrecked good cars for no reason.

  26. 26
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 29, 2008 at 3:27 PM

    Chirs you are right about the penatly during the 600 on speeding but if pit 3 times. 3 speeding penatlys, 1 passing a saftey vechile at speed( that is let go by nascar that fine) 1 Passing cars on pit road and 1 pitting before pit road was open. 5 or 6 in all. Is there blog's on this no theres not. Anyone want to go have a Whenikin

  27. 27
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 29, 2008 at 3:34 PM

    Junie girl i saw the race and the replays i didn't see where Denny stopped or slow down. They are under caution and i guess when brad speeds up to go hit him it could give that allusion. Remember the saying if you don't start stuff there wont be stuff. the crew guys get paid all this money and that fender would have took them 15 minutes at the shop to fix. Shounds to me Jr Motorsports is LAZY

  28. 28
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 29, 2008 at 3:42 PM

    Junie Girl also the fines form NASCAR is that the Crew Cheif is accountable for the action of the crew. that is why he got a 1000 dollar fine. If the crew members didn't hit NASCAR officals they would not have been suspended there are reason why they were and it b/c the hit the officals. Also JGR going to toyota has nothing to do with it JGR was Strong last year in Chevys. they are getting the support with toyota the chevy give all there attention to Hendrick that is why Hendrick is a the top of all other Chevy teams.

  29. 29
    Laura Johnson said:
    May 29, 2008 at 3:46 PM

    What suprises me is the lack of penalties for the ON-track incidents; I thought passing a car under caution in order to bump someone (Jr did it to Denny) was a no-no in NASCAR's rulebook. And Denny bumped Brad intentionally. Plus, Jr passed the emergency vehicle in the 600. So I think it's a hot mess that no penalties were given for the on-track stuff.

  30. 30
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 29, 2008 at 4:14 PM

    Laura you are 100% right there is a rule about passing car on the track and pit road Dale Jr. did this during the NAt race and the 600. Robby Gordon was penatlized for this earlier this year. BUT ROBBY IS NOT NASCAR TOKEN BOY. The on track stuff was probable let go for the fact of driver shown their personality's.

  31. 31
    beau pustiak said:
    May 29, 2008 at 10:23 PM

    WHEN NASCAR STARTED WE WERE ALL AMERICAN NOW WE HAVE TOYOTA MAYBE HONDA AND HUNDYIA NASCAR HELPS THE NEWBIE AQUIRE BETTER EQUIPTMENT AND HELPS THEM WIN.. TAKE BACK THE TRUCK HEADS KEEP THEM ON TRUCKS,,IF THEY DONT LIKE IT OH WELL.......

  32. 32
    Pearl Roll said:
    May 29, 2008 at 11:26 PM

    U all need to get a life and fine something else to whine about besides how baby boy Jr. is not winning cuz of everyone else. Face it he cant drive cuz he is to prim and proper. Go JGR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  33. 33
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 30, 2008 at 8:03 AM

    Beau I'm not supporting Toyota but the stuff they make is just as bad Ford, Chevy and Dodge. NASCAR has not help them aquire better equipment. Toyota went out and got a team that had the talent. No one can say that last year Toyota even had at threat to win or top 5. Reguardless of weather Toyota is American or not it has nothing to do with it. Money does.

  34. 34
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 30, 2008 at 8:09 AM

    Also the Truck heads you speak of, the whole engine is the same as the trucks. That was up to the 600 when they came out with a new head not a truck head and it seemed that every maker faired about the same in the 600. But i will give you a little food for thought. Did you know that Toyota doesn't even make a push rod engine.

  35. 35
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 30, 2008 at 8:14 AM

    I really don't see what the big deal is about the make of the car there all the same body with stickers on them. I don't see where all you are getting upset with Toyota, They went out did there homework and it paying off. Ford is in the process of building a new engine now should be here next year. Chevy is just whining (I'm a chevy guy saying that. Dodge has the motor to compare to the Yota but they are just to stupid to figure it out so say the rep in a statement he made. Well i guess he didn't use stupid.

  36. 36
    Kris Leonia said:
    May 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM

    Wormy - that name does suit you. Now shut it. Brads team gets the fines because they went into Denny's pits. That is a fine and well worth it IMO for sticking behind their driver. Like I've said before, Nascar doesn't like to penalize drivers under caution for passing for something like that. They want them to show emotion and thats what he was doing. A few drivers every cup race do it and they don't get fined or penalty imposed on them. Thats what Nascar wants. Brad started it and Denny could have taken it like a man and moved on, but no. He had to act like a 5 year old with a temper tantrum and wreck a good car on purpose. JGR will have their time with wrecked cars and whining about it and when that happens, I will revel in their tears.

  37. 37
    Mark O'Brien said:
    May 30, 2008 at 1:52 PM

    Kris what did nascar do to Brad?? There guys were suspended and fined for hitting the nascar officals. NASCAR was fine with on track action. But it will kinda hard to wreck JGR when the only time you can get to the back bumper is under caution. your statement about Denny acting like a 5 year and he should be the bigger man well been as Brad started that disciption fits him i know if someone came up and hit me i would hit them back. I hope you would. you should always defend yourself. That why Matt Kennseth get ran over so much....

  38. 38
    emily bagwell said:
    May 30, 2008 at 11:08 PM

    Mark---"know it all O'Brien"---i have some advice for you---Go sit on a tack and see if it will sharpen your intellect!! P.S. Take Pearl with you!!

  39. 39
    Timothy Schultze said:
    May 31, 2008 at 12:03 AM

    Looks to me like the biggest whiner is Mark O'Brien i suggest you check your facts and your spelling geez!!!!!!!!!!!!

  40. 40
    emily bagwell said:
    May 31, 2008 at 12:15 AM

    Thank You, Timothy!!!

  41. 41
    Robert Wingert said:
    Jun 2, 2008 at 12:47 PM

    NASCAR seems to be in love with Toyota and JGR for sure. I can see why Tony Stewart wants out. As long as Fox announcers like DW keep hyping Bush and Hamlin as being such great drivers Nascar won't do a thing. If TNT follows I'll turn off the TV. If you are tired of Kyle Bush's antics on the track and on his radio write M&M's as they welcome comments.

  42. 42
    Robert Wingert said:
    Jun 2, 2008 at 12:59 PM

    To Mark O'Brien. Why don't you go to a Nascar race and wear your #18 Toyota shirt and hat? Why Nascar allowed Toyota to come into racing in the first place amazes me. I may be wrong, but I haven't seen the American Flag on any Nascar Toyota.

  43. 43
    emily bagwell said:
    Jun 2, 2008 at 8:19 PM

    What's even worse is NASCAR giving them more horsepower---according to Rusty Wallace unday.

  44. 44
    Robert Wingert said:
    Jun 3, 2008 at 7:46 PM

    Well we should see Honda next. Your right Emily Rusty Wallace did mention over the air.

  45. 45
    emily bagwell said:
    Jun 3, 2008 at 10:29 PM

    Robert, the only thing the announcers need is Mark O, Brien joinng them. Have you ever seen such a pompous know it all? I never thought I would ever think of leaving NASCAR, but it is really close. Maybe after the Hondas and loss of fans, they can race bicycles!!!

  46. 46
    Robert Wingert said:
    Jun 5, 2008 at 7:18 AM

    Emily, thats all we need is O'Brien in the broadcast booth. I've been a Nascar fan for many years and this year has to be the worst. Kyle Bush was under the yellow line at Talladaga in passing mode and nothing was done about it. Next he wrecks Jr as Hamlin brings out the yellow. Now Hamlin take Keselowski out and admits to it and nothing is done, except fine JR Motor Sports and suspend crew members. Nascar wake up, you are destroying the sport we all love.

  47. 47
    emily bagwell said:
    Jun 6, 2008 at 12:03 AM

    Robert, i don't even want to think about what I have invested in NASCAR--have traveled to lots of races and have two rooms of earnhardt collectibles. I have been obsessed with the sport for years and I agree---this year is the pits. I never thought I'd ever throw in the towel, but I think I am because I don't think NASCAR is going to wake up!!! They are too busy promoting KB. How many ways can you say"Enough"? Peace, Robert

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