On Friday Afternoon, NASCAR announced that Rick Ware Racing would be handed a L1 penalty following significant inspection issues at Martinsville Speedway.
Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 (driven by Joey Gase) failed technical inspection five times in preparation for Wednesday’s NASCAR Cup Series event from Martinsville Speedway.
Crew chief Lee Leslie was fined $25,000 and the team was docked ten owner points, leaving the team 38th in owners standings.
After passing inspection on the sixth try, Joey Gase brought the No. 51 Chevrolet home 35th, thirty-six laps behind.
No. 51 – Rick Ware Racing: “Sections 12.5.2.7.1.d: At-Track Penalty: Race equipment does not meet the applicable specifications during pre-race inspection”.
– NASCAR Penalty Report
The only other two penalties handed out at Martinsville Speedway were to the Hendrick Motorsports No. 9 (driven by Chase Elliott) and the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 (driven by Kyle Busch). Both cars were found to have one lug nut unsecured at the end of the event.
Crew chiefs Alan Gustafson (No. 9) and Adam Stevens (No. 18) have each been handed a $10,000 fine from NASCAR.
No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports & No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing: “Sections 10.9.10.4: Tires and Wheels Note: Lug nut(s) not properly installed.”
– NASCAR Penalty Report
Along with the penalties, NASCAR announced that two crew members have been reinstated by the sanctioning body.
Zach Yager, who has successfully completed the “Road to Recovery” has been reinstated by NASCAR. Yager was suspended last July after violating NASCAR’s substance abuse policy. Yager was working as the jack man for GoFas Racing at the time of his suspension.
Along with Yager, Josh Young has also been reinstated by NASCAR.
Zach Yager has successfully completed NASCAR’s Road to Recovery Program. His NASCAR suspension has been lifted.
Josh Young has been reinstated.
– NASCAR Penalty Report
