Gordon Slapped With $100,000 Fine, 25-Point Penalty

NASCAR has docked Jeff Gordon $100,000, docked him 25 championship driver points and put him on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for his actions yesterday at Phoenix International Raceway. Gordon was found to be in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) – altercation with another competitor on the race track during the race – after turning championship contender Clint Bowyer into the wall with three laps remaining in Sunday’s race.  

Rick Hendrick, owner of Gordon’s No. 24 AARP/Drive To End Hunger Chevrolet, has also been penalized with the loss of 25 championship owner points. Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 24 car, was found in violation of Section 9-4A (at all events, crew chief assumes responsibility of his driver, car owner and team members) and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31.  

Brian Pattie, crew chief on Bowyer’s No. 15 5-Hour Energy Toyota, also violated Sections 12-1 and 9-4A and was fined $25,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Pattie’s fine stemmed from his team leaving its pit stall to confront Gordon in the NASCAR garage; a confrontation that saw crewmembers from both teams exchange blows. 

NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton commented on the sanctions, saying, “The decisions announced today cover NASCAR’s full assessment of penalties for the incidents that occurred. There’s no doubt that a unique set of circumstances combined with a championship battle on the line resulted in raw emotions coming into play. We consider the penalties appropriate and those involved understand our decision and we expect them to abide by them.” 

“I take responsibility for my actions on the racetrack,” Gordon said. “I accept NASCAR’s decision and look forward to ending the season on a high note at Homestead.”

Hendrick Motorsports issued a statement saying it will not appeal the sanctions. “I’ve always respected Jeff for standing his ground,” said team owner Rick Hendrick. “We also respect that NASCAR needs to police the sport and send a message when situations like this occur. It’s been a great year, and we’re going to put our focus on finishing in a positive way this weekend.”

In addition to sanctions assessed to the No, 24 and 15 teams, NASCAR also docked NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point leader Brad Keselowski $25,000 and placed him on probation until Dec. 31 for having a cell phone in his possession onboard the race car at PIR. That comprised a violation of Sections 12-1 and 20-6.7A (cars and drivers will not be permitted to carry onboard computers, automated electronic recording devices, electronically actuated devices, power distribution modules, power conditioners, micro-processors, recording devices, electronic digital memory chips, traction control devices, digital readout gauges and the like, even if inoperable or incomplete) as outlined in the NASCAR rulebook.