Matt Kenseth, the driver of the No. 20 car, has been penalized for an infraction that occurred during the Nov. 1 race at Martinsville Speedway. This is a Behavioral Penalty (Sections 12.1, 12.8). Kenseth has been suspended from NASCAR through the completion of the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events and placed on NASCAR probation for a six-month period following issuance of the penalty notice. “Based upon our extensive review, we have concluded that the No. 20 car driver, who is no longer in the Chase, intentionally wrecked the No. 22 car driver, a Chase-eligible competitor who was leading the race at the time,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “The No. 20 car was nine laps down, and eliminated the No. 22 car’s opportunity to continue to compete in the race. “Additionally, we factored aspects of safety into our decision, and also the fact that the new Chase elimination format puts a premium on each and every race. These actions have no place in NASCAR.” Danica Patrick, the driver of the No. 10 car, has been penalized for an infraction that also took place during the Nov. 1 race at Martinsville Speedway. This is a Behavioral Penalty (Sections 12.1, 12.8). Patrick has been fined $50,000, assessed with the loss of 25 series championship driver points and placed on NASCAR probation through Dec. 31. Patrick’s penalty resulted from an altercation with David Gilliland where Patrick used her car to push Gilliland’s into the outside retaining wall. Joe Gibbs Racing, for whom Kenseth drives, announced they will appeal the penalty challenging its severity which they believe to be inconsistent with previous penalties for similar incidents. While NASCAR has agreed to fast-track the appeal, no date has been announced for the hearing, but it should be hear this week – before Texas. Neither Patrick or her employer, Stewart-Haas Racing, has spoken to her penalty. – source, NASCAR communications (edited), Joe Gibbs Racing communications
