Major penalty coming for the #38? bleeder valves found on the tires

Read this over at jayski's. It sounds like the #38 could have a 200 point $200,000 penalty coming and could put Robby back in the Top 35!!!

Illegal bleeder valves on the #38 at Pocono? Sources tell Sirius that NASCAR discovered clandestine [secrecy or concealed] air pressure bleeder valves on the tires of Travis Kvapil's #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford Sunday at Pocono Raceway. Following the rain delay, NASCAR officials reportedly observed two soft tires on the rear of Kvapil's car and held him from rolling back onto the track for the start of the race. Closer examination of those tire and wheel assemblies allegedly revealed illegal bleeder valves, which purge excess air pressure from the tires as it accumulates under race conditions. If confirmed, the team would likely face a major NASCAR penalty, since tires are considered to be one of the sanctions "untouchable" items, along with engines and fuel.(Sirius Speedway)(6-8-2010)

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Permalink Reply by Tom Fair on June 8, 2010 at 12:22pm

My guess is 50 points and $50K, not enough to put RG back in Top 35. Nascrap wants to keep him out as long as possible

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Permalink Reply by Alex on June 8, 2010 at 12:26pm

That conspiracy theory has already been shot down.

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Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on June 8, 2010 at 12:31pm

The penalties and fines comes from the Nascar Commission (made up of retired drivers,owners, track presidents and more).If the facts are found to what are believed to be air pressure bleeder valves the team will likely get a stiff penalty. It will be either 100/$100,000 or 200/$200,00 depending on how they view the evidence. I lean more towards the 100/$100,000 due to the safety issues, but not too severe since they're a full time team. IMO- The Commission looks at Start & Park teams as taking advantage of the series and system, which is why I believe they were severe with Carl Long's team.

The largest penalties:
#46-Carl Long, May 2009, Lowe's Sprint Showdown, Oversized Engine, $200,000/200, 12 race suspension
#55-Michael Waltrip Racing, Feb. 2007, Daytona, Fuel/Additive, $100,000/100 Indefinite Suspension
#24-Jeff Gordon/Hendrick Motorsports, July 2007, Sonoma, Front Fender Manipulation, $100,000/100, crew chief supsended for 6 races
#48-Jimmie Johnson/Hendrick Motorsports, July 2007, Sonoma, Front Fender Manipulation, Chad Knaus, $100,000/100, crew chief suspended for 6 races
#2-Kurt Busch/Penske Racing, June 2007, Dover, Endangering crew member, Drivers $100,000, Team/Driver 100 pts
#8-Dale Earnhardt Inc. May 2007, Darlington, Rear Wing Brackets $100,000/100, crew chief suspneded for 6 events
#24-Hendrick Motorsports May 1995, suspension parts, $60,000 fine

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Permalink Reply by Country Boy on June 8, 2010 at 12:31pm

I do feel kind of sorry for the 38 team but given the way Rob has been penalized over the last few years (camera mount, the minor infraction at the 09 Coke 600, door brace this year and if not for the grace of God, the major Daytona penatly last year), it's about time Rob had some good luck swing his way.

and yes, it apparently dumb luck that this was discovered which leads me to believe NASCAR will drop the hammer down simply because this was discovered after the race began and in NASCAR's eyes, the 38 team was blatantly trying to circumvent the rules.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Silber on June 8, 2010 at 12:32pm

Here is my 2 cents worth for what it's worth:

If they had installed devices that allowed for some control on air pressure in tires and concealed it---this is a BIG no-no and nascar will DROP a BIG hammer on the 38 team

You don't want bad karma but we didn't wish anything on Front Row---they made the decision and took the action and now must pay for the decisions-actions

Robby's talent as a driver and far and above almost every driver in the garage area---we in this group all know this as well as the drivers in the garage area. He is in 36th place at this moment because of a single decision---the decision to develop in house. It will pay dividends one day but the journey is a long, tough one.

For what it's worth---Robby should be in 32nd place and not 36th---Front Row has been playing musical chairs to keep Kevin Conway in the top 35 as he has the only paying sponsor at this time. Remember that the owner of Front Row is a big franchise owner in the Taco-Bell, Long John Silvers, and A&W so he is self-funding the other 2 teams

I am thinking that if this is true---this is a minimum of 150 points and $150K fine

Robby locked in at Michigan---if he has a decent race---top 25 then look out at Sonoma. He can jump up 2 to 4 places as Labonte appears to be a S&P and he will blow out all of the Front Row Teams

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Permalink Reply by jack on June 8, 2010 at 1:21pm

Well everyone has been putting in thier 2 cents worth.. so i guess I will put mine in too.

Well it seems like everyone is trying to make assumptions of what Nascar will fine the 38 and are using past infractions as examples. I find this hard to believe people are making these assumptions when you normally hear people complain about Nascars inconsistantsy. For example. last year Nascar was making a point about messing with the COT and every fine was 100pt/$100k. Nascar has eased up on that this year as you can see by the penalities handed out this year so far. (example RGM for 25pt/&25k). The only consistantant penalty method that I notice is that when nascar hands out a penalty they usually make it big enough to move you down in the point standings. for example. If a 25 point penalty doesn't at least move you down 1 spot in the standings, then most likely they will make it a bigger penalty so that the teams feels the hit. So, how they will consider the this with the top 35 inplay.. I'm not sure

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Permalink Reply by alan4s on June 8, 2010 at 2:16pm

It's REALLY BIG! From The Nascar Insiders:

UPDATED: Breaking News: Front Row Facing Possible Penalties Over Tire Issue Written by T.C. on Jun 8th, 2010

After yesterday’s story about Front Row’s possible infraction at Pocono, we are hearing today that the penalty from NASCAR could be the biggest ever handed down.

When NASCAR makes the announcement later today or tomorrow, expect the penalty to include a $250,000 fine and 300 driver and owner points for Travis Kvapil and owner Bob Jenkins. A suspension for crew chief Steven Lane will also be included.

This penalty tops the sanctions handed down last season to Carl Long’s team after his engine was discovered to be too large at Charlotte.

Like we’ve said here before, NASCAR will always be harshest about infractions dealing with engines, tires, and fuel, and they are obviously using this situation to reinforce that notion.

No word yet on how this will affect the team’s status moving forward. Expect the team to appeal the decision.

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Permalink Reply by WJM on June 8, 2010 at 2:18pm

Wow. That would drop the #38 to 38th in owner points and give Robby a 150 pt. cushion on 36th.

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Permalink Reply by brewski on June 8, 2010 at 2:25pm

The insider speculations are even more severe then any thing any of us came up with..ouch..and a snap

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Permalink Reply by Slider316 on June 8, 2010 at 2:26pm

this is a huge break for RGM...perhaps this'll put the rest all the talk about how RG never gets a break.

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Permalink Reply by Bigzoom on June 8, 2010 at 2:27pm

That would make a statement! After Carl Long & Mayfield, Nascar is making a statement.."it's okay to fight each other on & off the track, but if you disobey the major rules of drugs, tires, engines or fuel...you will get hammered!"