NASCAR: Tony Stewart, Two Nationwide Teams Penalized For Daytona Infractions

NASCAR issued fines, points penalties and suspensions on Tuesday afternoon in response to several infractions committed last weekend at Daytona International Speedway across its top two national series.

Coke Zero 400 race winner Tony Stewart was penalized six points and crew chief Steve Addington was fined $25,000 after the No. 14 car was found to have an open vent hose inside the car after qualifying.

NASCAR frowns on open hoses because it could theoretically provide an aerodynamic advantage. Addington and car chief Jeff Meendering were also placed on probation until Aug. 22, a span of five races.

“While we respect and accept NASCAR’s decision, we want to be clear that there was no malicious intent,” Stewart-Haas Racing competition director Greg Zipadelli said. “In a rush to replace a cracked rear windshield that happened during tech inspection prior to qualifying, we jostled a cooling hose that was behind the seat. We understand NASCAR’s position and will abide by its decision.”

In addition, Austin Dillon’s No. 3 team committed a similar vent hose penalty during qualifying for the Nationwide Series race. Dillon was fined six points and his crew chief, Danny Stockman, was suspended for two races. Stockman had already been on probation and was just penalized last week. The team’s car chief, Robert Strmiska, was also suspended for two races (and had also been on probation).

Lastly, Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 18 Nationwide team was found to be too low after post-race inspection and docked six points. The car was driven by Joey Logano, but Logano didn’t lose any points because he’s not racing for the championship in the Nationwide Series this year. No. 18 crew chief Adam Stevens was fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Aug. 22, along with car chief Christopher Landis.