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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2008) – NASCAR announced today that the No. 18 and No. 20 teams in the NASCAR Nationwide Series have been penalized due to rule violations discovered by NASCAR inspectors prior to post-race testing on the chassis dynamometer Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway.

Both the No. 18 and No. 20 cars were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 8-9 (competitive analysis – from time to time, NASCAR may determine, in the interest of competition, that it is necessary or appropriate to undertake an analysis of the performance capabilities of a car, car part, component or equipment. The Competitor shall take whatever steps are requested by NASCAR Officials for this purpose. NASCAR also has the right to seal or impound cars, car parts, components and/or equipment for this purpose); 12-4-Q (1): (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules, detailed in Section 20A of the 2008 NASCAR Rule Book, or has not been approved by NASCAR prior to the event, or is not required for the normal functional operation of the race car, or has been altered to detract from or compromise its integrity or effectiveness, whether operational or not); 12-4-K: (when NASCAR Officials mandate inspection during the Event, if any car, car parts, components, and/or equipment which have been used in the Event are taken from the racing premises without permission of a NASCAR Official, or are tampered with by any member of the team or anyone associated with the team: Magnetic spacer attached under the gas pedal with the intent of compromising the chassis dynamometer test).

Both of the drivers – Joey Logano of the No. 18 and Tony Stewart of the No. 20 – have been penalized with the loss of 150 championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2008. Joe Gibbs, owner of both of the cars, has likewise been penalized 150 championship owner points for each of those entries.

Both crew chiefs – Jason Ratcliff of the No. 18 and Dave Rogers of the No. 20 – have been fined $50,000 and indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.

From the No. 18 team, car chief Dorian Thorsen; engine tuner Michael Johnson; and crew member Toby Bigelow have been placed on indefinite suspension from NASCAR. From the No. 20 team, car chief Richard Bray and engine tuner Dan Bajek have been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR.

In addition, the entire No. 18 and No. 20 NASCAR Nationwide Series teams have been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2008.

Crew Chief For No. 41 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Team Penalized For Infraction At Michigan International Speedway

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2008) – NASCAR has fined Donnie Wingo, crew chief of the No. 41 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, for a violation committed during the Aug. 17 race at Michigan International Speedway.

The No. 41 car driven by Reed Sorenson was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-W (improperly attached weight) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book.

As a result, Wingo has been fined $25,000 for the rule infraction.

SCCA Announces Runoffs Rookie Program

TOPEKA, Kan. (Aug. 20, 2008) - Sports Car Club of America announced today a new program designed to help acclimate SCCA National Championship Runoffs rookie drivers to the week-long event, held this Oct. 6-12 at Heartland Park Topeka.

“Coming to the Runoffs for the first time is both exciting and somewhat daunting for drivers,” SCCA Vice President of Club Racing Terry Ozment said. “Through feedback from our drivers, we’ve been able to put together a program in 2008 that starts the ball rolling for a rookie program that has the potential to expand in the coming years.”

The Rookie Program includes:

- Pairing with a Runoffs veteran for guidance and mentoring throughout the week. This is not necessarily a driver coach, but rather someone who can help understand the procedures and activities surrounding this important event.

- Special orientation laps in an official SCCA event vehicle with their mentor after testing concludes Sunday, Oct. 5.

- Special meeting time with the Club Racing Board, Chief Steward and key event staff during the week.

- Sponsorship by a local business or entity that could include some meals or other gifts.

Only drivers who have never participated in a previous Runoffs are eligible for the program. Rookies are asked to contact Deanna Flanagan at SCCA (runoffs@scca.com or 800-770-2055) to be included in the program. Inclusion is not automatic and the deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 26, 2008.

SCCA is seeking veteran drivers interested in being mentors. Interested drivers should contact Deanna Flanagan as well. All participating mentors will receive a special merchandise gift from SCCA.

Gillett Evernham Motorsports Announces Sprint Cup Crew Chiefs To Oversee Team’s Nationwide Dodge

STATESVILLE, N.C. – Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced today that its three Sprint Cup crew chiefs will rotate crew chief duties on the team’s No. 9 Nationwide Series entry for the remainder of the 2008 season.

Drivers Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, Patrick Carpentier and Chase Miller have taken turns racing the No. 9 Dodge in 2008. Each will race at least once in the final 10 races of the season.

Kenny Francis will serve as crew chief when Kahne drives the GEM Nationwide car at Charlotte. Mike Shiplett will oversee Patrick Carpentier’s races at Dover and Phoenix while Rodney Childers will do the same with Elliott Sadler at Bristol, Richmond, and Kansas. Kevin Kidd will serve as crew chief when Miller races at California, Texas and Homestead and when Miller races the No. 19 at Charlotte. A crew chief for Miller’s Memphis race will be named later.

“This allows our Sprint Cup crew chiefs and drivers to gather more data in the Nationwide Series races which we think will aid our Sprint Cup programs,” said Mark McArdle, the team’s vice-president of competition.

The No. 9 Dodge is 15th in owner points in 2008.