NASCAR Penalizes Crew Chief Jerry Baxter

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 23, 2011) – NASCAR has penalized Jerry Baxter, crew chief for the No. 99 car for Michael Waltrip Racing that competed in the NASCAR Nationwide Series event Aug. 20 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, for his actions following the completion of the race.

Baxter has been fined $5,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing – involved in an altercation on pit road after the completion of the race).

After the NAPA Auto Parts 200 race at Montreal, Baxter walked over to the No. 66 car of Steven Wallace and reached in and grabbed Wallace, pulling his hair. Baxter was angry after driver Patrick Carpentier was eliminated from his final race due to damage sustained in a wreck with Wallace.

Baxter apologized Monday for his actions in a team statement.

“I’m sorry for what happened after the race on Saturday and I take responsibility for my own actions. I was just very frustrated and let my emotions get to me. That was Patrick’s last race and we wanted to make it special," Baxter said.

“We really thought he had a shot for the win and everything boiled over when that chance went away in the wreck. Everyone was just racing hard and there was no intent to wreck anyone. There’s no excuse for what I did after the race and I apologize to everyone.”