NASCAR Fines Multiple Crew Chiefs and Members in Wake of Texas Speedway Brawl
Another fracas broke out following a NASCAR race involving Brad Keselowski, this time at Texas Motor Speedway. The two biggest differences this time around? He was caught up with Jeff Gordon on Sunday and neither driver was penalized for his actions.
Instead, NASCAR penalized the crews for Gordon and his Hendrick teammate Kasey Kahne for their involvement. In an official release, it was announced Tuesday that Kahne's crew chief Kenny Francis and Gordon's crew chief Alan Gustafson were fined $50,000 and placed on probation for six points races.
Jeremy Fuller of Kahne's crew and Dwayne Doucette and Jason Ingle of Gordon's crew were suspended for six races and fined $25,000. Along with the other five, Gordon crew member Dean Mozingo was suspended three races and fined $10,000.
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| Kenny Francis | Kasey Kahne (Crew Chief) | $50,000 fine/Six-race Probation |
| Alan Gustafson | Jeff Gordon (Crew Chief) | $50,000 fine/Six-race Probation |
| Jeremy Fuller | Kasey Kahne | $25,000 Fine/Six-race Suspension |
| Dwayne Doucette | Jeff Gordon | $25,000 Fine/Six-race Suspension |
| Jason Ingle | Jeff Gordon | $25,000 Fine/Six-race Suspension |
| Dean Mozingo | Jeff Gordon | $10,000 Fine/Three-race Suspension |
Each of those will be handed down immediately, as NASCAR senior vice president Robin Pemberton addressed the issues, per the release:
"While the intensity and emotions are high as we continue through the final rounds of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the actions that we saw from several crew members Sunday following the race at Texas are unacceptable. ...
A NASCAR championship is at stake, but we can't allow behavior that crosses the line to go unchecked, particularly when it puts others in harm's way.
"
All of the actions were addressed as behavior penalties for the two Hendrick Motorsports crews. Though both drivers were caught up in the fight, neither was penalized.
Team owner Rick Hendrick noted he will not appeal the decision, via Jeff Gluck of USA Today. Hendrick also referenced Gordon's actions and his support of the crews, per Alan Cavanna of NASCAR.com:
Jenna Fryer of The Associated Press questioned whether the penalties were harsh enough for the brawl:
Following the announcement, Gluck also added his thoughts on the penalties:
What the penalties mean for the two drivers is that both will be able to compete in the final race of the Eliminator Round. Gordon is currently holding on to the final spot in the top four while Keselowski needs help at seventh on the Chase Grid.
Being down crew members for the last two races might be a huge blow for Gordon. Emphasis is always put getting every aspect perfect on the track, so it will be interesting to see how the crew respond in Phoenix.
Neither Gordon nor Keselowski is backing down, so the action on the track should remain heated in the penultimate race.
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