Carl Long, Carl Long Racing team owner and crew chief suspended 12 weeks
Carl Long Racing driver Carl Long, as well as his team owner and crew chief, have been suspended from NASCAR Sprint Cup racing for 12 weeks. // David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
NASCAR issued the largest competition-related penalties in its history Wednesday, a 12-week suspension for an illegal engine to Sprint Cup driver Carl Long, as well as 12-week suspensions for car owner Danielle Long and crew chief Charles Swing.
The Dodge engine in question was one that was used during practice last Friday then replaced prior to the Sprint Showdown on Saturday, NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. It was found to have exceeded the maximum engine size of 358-cubic inch displacement.
Long, whose only other Sprint Cup attempt this year was for the Daytona 500, also was penalized 200 driver points, and his team was penalized 200 owner points. Swing was fined $200,000.
All of the suspensions last until Aug. 18 and all of those suspended will remain on probation through Dec. 31.
