Penalties issued for rule infractions at Darlington Raceway

NASCAR issued penalties Wednesday to two Sprint Cup teams, the No. 7 and the No. 55, and one Nationwide team, the No. 38, for rule violations last week at Darlington Raceway.

Sprint Cup:
The No. 7 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR required specifications); and 20-18A (unapproved additional door braces) of the 2010 NASCAR rulebook. The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection on May 7.

Crew chief Samuel Stanley has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Robby Gordon, both driver and owner of the No. 7 car, has been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points.

The No. 55 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4-J; and 20-10.6B (unapproved final drive gear; incorrect tooth count). The violation was discovered during post-qualifying inspection on May 7.

Crew chief Zachary McGowan has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Driver Michael McDowell and owner Randy Humphrey have been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver and 25 championship owner points, respectively.

Nationwide:
The No. 38 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 12-4-J; and 20A-12.3T (unapproved left front shock absorber) of the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rule Book. The infractions were discovered during post-race inspection on May 7.

Crew chief Stewart Cooper has been fined $10,000. Team owner Ralph Braun was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship owner points and driver Kasey Kahne was docked 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points.