NASCAR Set To Levy Penalties Against Brian Vickers’ Team

A failed inspection following an 11th-place finish at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday could lead to stiff fines and penalties against driver Brian Vickers and Red Bull Racing. Based on previous NASCAR rulings this season, Vickers might lose 150 driver points and Dietrich Mateschitz 150 owner points while crew chief Kevin Hamlin could be suspended indefinitely. That would cost Vickers a career-best finish in the points standings.

AP
Published: October 22, 2008

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - A failed inspection following an 11th-place finish at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday could lead to stiff fines and penalties against driver Brian Vickers and Red Bull Racing.

Based on previous NASCAR rulings this season, Vickers might lose 150 driver points and Dietrich Mateschitz 150 owner points while crew chief Kevin Hamlin could be suspended indefinitely. That would cost Vickers a career-best finish in the points standings.

Although the highest previous fine this year was $100,000, Red Bull might face a harder hit because stock car racing’s governing body has escalated its penalties as the season progresses.

Vickers is tied for his career-best position in the standings at 15th, but the penalty would drop him to 17th with four races to go.

NASCAR is expected to release the penalties Wednesday afternoon, according to a spokesman.