JGR To Further Penalize Its Nationwide Series Crew
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Aug 23, 2008
Gibbs said the punishment would result in further suspension—likely for the remainder of the year if that isn’t the case already—and/or a financial penalty and would take place after the NASCAR suspension is complete.
Crew chiefs Jason Ratcliff of the No. 18 and Dave Rogers of the No. 20 have been fined $50,000 each and indefinitely suspended from NASCAR duties. Dorian Thorsen, engine tuner Michael Johnson and crew member Toby Bigelow of the 18 also were placed on indefinite suspension.
Both teams have been placed on probation through the end of the year.
Tony Stewart, who drove the No. 20, and Joey Logano in the 18, were docked 150 championship points and placed on probation through the end of this year. Team owner Joe Gibbs also was penalized 150 points on both of the entries.
Nationwide driver Kevin Harvick did not fault J.D. or his father, team owner Joe Gibbs, for the incident.
“I truly honestly feel this, that J.D. and Joe Gibbs don’t run their company like that,” he said. “It’s obviously a decision that wasn’t made from the top. I don’t think it was a representation of anybody at Joe Gibbs.”
