Tony Stewart loses more than starting position at Daytona, also receives penalty

No. 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Team; No. 3 & No. 18 NASCAR Nationwide Series Teams Penalized For Infractions At Daytona International Speedway

Victory lane: race winner Tony Stewart, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet

Photo by: Getty Images

NASCAR has issued penalties to three of its race teams as a result of rules infractions committed during last weekend’s events at Daytona International Speedway.

The No. 14 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules detailed in Section 20 of the NASCAR Rule Book); and 20-2.1J (unapproved open vent hose inside of the car). The violation occurred during post-qualifying inspection July 6.

As a result, crew chief Steve Addington has been fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Car chief Jeff Meendering has been placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 22. Driver Tony Stewart and owner Margaret Haas have been penalized with the loss of six championship driver and six championship owner points, respectively.

Greg Zipadelli, Competition Director, Stewart-Haas Racing issued the following statment after the announcement of the penalty.

“While we respect and accept NASCAR’s decision, we want to be clear that there was no malicious intent. 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.”

Source: From NASCAR press release/Stewart-Haas press release