CONCORD, N.C. - Three Sprint Cup Series teams will be without their crew chiefs after penalties following Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Brian Pattie, crew chief for Roush Fenway Racing's Greg Biffle has been fined $50,000 and suspended from the next two NASCAR events following infractions found during post-race inspection at the NASCAR R&D Center. Biffle has been docked 15 driver points and the team has also lost 15 owner championship points. Pattie has been placed on NASCAR probation through December 31.
Roush Fenway has not yet announced if they plan on appealing the penalty.
Tony Gibson, crew chief for Kurt Busch, has been suspended for this week's race at Pocono Raceway after being in violation of NASCAR's updated lug nut policy. The No. 41 team was found to be in violation of sections 12-1; 10.11.3.4 a, which states "All tires, wheel, and all five lug nuts must installed in a safe and secure manner at all times during the event."
Gibson has been fined $20,000 and placed on probation through December 31.
Randall Burnett, crew chief for A.J. Allmendinger has also been suspended for this week's event at Pocono Raceway. Allmendinger's No. 47 car was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1; 10.11.3.4 a, as well as 12.5.3.4.1 p, which states "any identification of missing lug nut(s) on a wheel post-race."
It is unknown if either team plans to appeal their penalty.
The new lug nut rule was put in place before the May 1 race at Talladega Superspeedway following outcry from many in the NASCAR garage.