Vision Aviation Racing Penalized; Michael Waltrip Still Declared NCWTS Daytona Winner

Credit: Tom Pennington/Getting Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 23, 2011) – NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 15 team that competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, as a result of rule infractions found during post-race inspection Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway.

Vision Aviation Racing's No. 15 truck driven by Michael Waltrip 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 rules); and 20B-3.1.2E (rear spoiler did not meet specifications in post-race inspection) of the 2011 NASCAR Rule Book.

As a result, crew chief Doug Howe has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Owner Billy Ballew has been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points.

Additional Notes:

• Waltrip's spoiler broke on the final lap of the race
• Kerry Tharp, NASCAR spokesman, had this to say: "It appeared the piece had broken and there were no illegal pieces that would suggest the violation was done on purpose."