What’s Next For DEI?
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Jul 22, 2008
martintruexjr.com
The National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Dale Earnhardt Inc. regarding the No. 1 car. The appeal concerned four penalties issued by NASCAR stemming from opening day inspection on July 3, 2008, at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Daytona International Speedway.
The penalties assessed were:
• Loss of 150 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship car owner points for car owner Teresa Earnhardt.
• Loss of 150 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship driver points for driver Martin Truex Jr.
• $100,000.00 fine; suspension from NASCAR for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events; suspension from NASCAR until Aug. 27, 2008, and probation until Dec. 31, 2008, for crew chief Kevin Manion.
• Suspension from NASCAR for the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship events; suspension from NASCAR until Aug. 27, 2008, and probation until Dec. 31, 2008, for team member Gary Putnam.
The sanctioning body said that the penalties “concern Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book ‘Actions detrimental to stock car racing;’ Section 12-4-Q: ‘Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules,’ and Section 20-3.8A: ‘Roof of the car does not conform to the specifications of the NASCAR Rule Book.’”
NASCAR, in its statement, said “The Appellants did not contest the rules violations, but argued that the penalties were too severe for the infractions. The Appellants explained that rigorous checks and balances in the fabrication process were in place at DEI and could offer no explanation as to why the roof failed to meet the inspection templates. They argued that the infractions were minor in nature, not deliberate, and that the resulting lowered roof was a disadvantage according to their wind tunnel findings.
The next 30 days are crucial for Dale Earnhardt Inc.
If DEI is not able to re-sign Martin Truex Jr. and maintain a competitive organization without its suspended lead crew chief over the next 30 days, a lot of people who are thinking about spending money with DEI may step back and wonder if it is such a good idea. That would have a huge impact.
This period may also strengthen the belief of those inside and outside the organization that believe now is the time for DEI to bring in a business partner like many other organizations have or maybe even some new management.
You could see a huge turnaround at DEI if things don’t fall into place.
