Backstretch Motorsports

Statement from Joe Gibbs Regarding NASCAR Penalties Issued to Joe Gibbs Racing’s Nos. 18 and 20 Nationwide Series Teams

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2008) – The following is a statement from Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), after NASCAR penalized its Nos. 18 and 20 Nationwide Series teams for infractions that took place by JGR during technical inspection following last Saturday’s Nationwide Series race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

“First, we want to apologize to NASCAR, all of our partners, all of our families at JGR, and all of our fans for the unfortunate incident that took place this past weekend in Michigan with our two Nationwide teams. A poor decision was made by some key members of our organization, and 100 percent of the blame rests with us.

“In 17 years we have never had any representative of Joe Gibbs Racing knowingly act outside of NASCAR’s rules, and that is something we consider essential to how we operate on a daily basis. What we have determined is that these individuals involved used extremely poor judgment in attempting to alter the results of NASCAR’s dyno test following Saturday’s Nationwide Series race in Michigan. Although in no way was anything done that might have altered the race outcome, these JGR employees attempted to circumvent the NASCAR rule book and that is unacceptable.

“We take full responsibility and accept the penalties NASCAR has levied against us today. We had come to the conclusion that we would add to any NASCAR imposed penalties with the minimum being suspension for the remainder of the season for those involved, including our two Nationwide Series crew chiefs. There will also be an additional monetary fine beyond the amount announced by NASCAR earlier today, which will be the responsibility of those involved.

“We are, however, disappointed that NASCAR chose to place our drivers on probation, as they had no knowledge or involvement of this incident.

“On behalf of everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, we apologize again for this most unfortunate situation.”

Statements from Joe Gibbs Racing Crew Chiefs Jason Ratcliff and Dave Rogers Regarding NASCAR Penalties

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2008) – The following are statements from Jason Ratcliff and Dave Rogers, crew chiefs for the Nos. 18 and 20 NASCAR Nationwide Series teams of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), respectively, following today’s announcement by NASCAR where the sanctioning body penalized JGR for infractions that took place by the team during technical inspection after last Saturday’s Nationwide Series race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

Jason Ratcliff, No. 18 Nationwide Series Crew Chief:

“First and foremost, I would like to apologize to the employees and partners of Joe Gibbs Racing. Because of poor decision making, I have failed you as the leader of this team and I am solely responsible for this situation. Secondly, I apologize to the men and women of NASCAR for my dishonesty and interference during a testing event. Going forward, I will work hard to regain the trust and respect that I once had with the fans, NASCAR and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, including our drivers, who had no knowledge or involvement in this transgression.”

Dave Rogers, No. 20 Nationwide Series Crew Chief:

“I apologize with great remorse for the actions that I took after the Michigan race last Saturday afternoon. My apology is extended to NASCAR, the NASCAR officials, Joe and J.D. Gibbs, our drivers, all of JGR’s sponsors, and especially to all of the JGR family members that I have misrepresented. Joe and J.D. Gibbs trust me to lead this race team with honesty and integrity. I have failed them and feel great remorse for doing so. I accept the penalties imposed by NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing and make no excuses.”

Lee White President and General Manager TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development) August 20, 2008

“Over the past several days we have had numerous conversations with Joe and J.D. Gibbs relative to the infractions at Michigan International Speedway in the Nationwide Series post-race inspection.”

“Toyota respects NASCAR’s rules and regulations and accepts the sanctions that were imposed against Joe Gibbs Racing. It is NASCAR’s responsibility to enforce their rules and we respect their decisions. Toyota always has, and will continue to, abide by all NASCAR-mandated policies.”

“In the 17 years in which JGR has been a NASCAR competitor, this is the first time that a JGR crew chief has ever been suspended. We are encouraged by the manner that Joe and J.D. have taken responsibility and have quickly imposed their own internal sanctions in an aggressive manner — above and beyond the penalties that NASCAR imposed. We applaud their response, support their decision and are completely satisfied with their actions in response to this incident.”

“Joe and J.D., and the entire Joe Gibbs Racing organization, have been — and will continue to be — a great partner to Toyota. Going forward this year — and in the future — we will continue to support JGR and work diligently together to be successful.”