NASCAR has changed its penalty system for technical infractions, tying specific punishments to specific violations and breaking it into six classes:
P1: Multiple warnings for minor technical infractions. Penalty: could include last choice of pit selection, loss of track time, being selected for post-race inspection, reduction of event passes or community service.
P2: Expiration of certain safety certification or improper installation of a safety feature, or minor bracket or fasteners violations. Penalty: loss of 10 points and/or $10,000-$25,000 fine and/or suspension of crew chief or others for one or more races and up to six months’ probation.
P3: Unauthorized parts, measurement failures, parts that fail their intended use, or coil spring violations. Penalty: loss of 15 points and/or $20,000-$50,000 fine and/or suspension of crew chief or others for one or more races; and up to six months’ probation.
P4: Devices that circumvent NASCAR templates and measuring equipment, or unapproved added weight. Penalty: loss of 25 points, $40,000-$70,000 fine, three-race crew chief (plus possibly others) suspension and up to six months’ probation. If the infraction is found after a race, it is a 35-point penalty and the fine is $65,000-$95,000.
P5: Combustion-enhancing additives in the oil, oil filter, air filter element or devices, systems, omissions, etc., that affect the normal airflow over the body. Penalty: loss of 50 points, $75,000-$125,000 fine, six-race crew chief (plus possibly others) suspension and up to six months’ probation.
P6: Violations affecting the internal workings and performance of the engine, modifying the pre-certified chassis, traction control or affecting fuel injection or the electronics-control unit. Penalty: loss of 150 points, fine of $150,000-$200,000, six-race crew chief (plus possibly others) suspension and up to six months’ probation.
If P5 and P6 infractions are found in post-race inspection, wins would not be eligible to be used to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship or to advance through the Chase rounds. The bonus points that accompany wins would also not be eligible for Chase seeding. If the same car repeats an offense in the same category during the season, the penalty increases 50 percent above the normal standard.
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