Gordon and Johnson Fail Inspection at Sonoma
By Jim
@jayperiod (870)
United States
June 22, 2007 3:59pm CST
Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson have both failed pre-race inspection at Sonoma. Both are being prevented from practicing or qualifying today. They are going to be allowed to submit their cars for re-inspection. If they pass, they will be allowed to race Sunday, starting from the back. If they fail, they will not race this weekend.
Both cars failed on modifications to the front bumper. The other two Hendrick cars, the 5 and 25, passed. Gordon and Johnson's cars are prepared in the same shop.
Junior's car failed pre-race inspection at Darlington earlier this year. His chief was suspended for 6 races and placed on probation. Dale lost 100 points, as well. We'll see if NASCAR hands down similar penalties for these infractions. Also of note, both Johnson and Gordon had penalties after pre-race inspection at Daytona. Their chiefs were not placed on probation as a part of those penalties, but knowing NASCAR, they could take those infractions into account and suspend them for the remainder of the season.
We'll see.
4 responses
@jayperiod (870)
• United States
23 Jun 07
I think a fine, suspension and points are a foregone conclusion. It's just a matter of how long the chiefs will be suspended. They could also suspend the whole team for a week, but most likely won't since they are in the hunt for the Chase. I don't think they want fans complaining about missed races costing a chance at a title. Though, with Martin still hovering around the top 12, that argument doesn't hold much water.
@grneyes0619 (9)
• United States
6 Jul 07
The problem is that no matter how much $$ *cuz they have plenty, nor points *cuz they have plenty of those too :) They don't care because they feel above some of the other drivers. I'm not one to trash talk. I just don't see it to be fair that they give them penalities that don't even make them care about not doing it again.
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
22 Jun 07
I hate to hear this as they are two of my favorite drivers. I don't think that it is right that the drivers are punished for what is not in their control. I feel like it would be fair to penalize the ones who made the modifications but the drivers are the ones who do that.
I think that Ernhart's punishment was unfair and I don't consider myself a fan of his by any means. However; I guess I need to get used to him being around as he will be a teammate now!
@DanaMark (807)
• United States
22 Jun 07
It's unfortunate when two of the top drivers are penalized because of things out of their control. I would hope they aren't coaching the people who work on their cars to try to take some shortcuts or make modifications to give them an advantage. The rules are clear enough. It will be interesting to see what the penalties are, if any.
1 person likes this
@jayperiod (870)
• United States
22 Jun 07
It's my understanding that the teams thought they were within the templates. It appears to have just been a judgment error. But, then again, I suppose they will all say that, won't they; "I didn't mean to cheat."
On another note, I made an error in my original post. Gordon and Johnson did not fail inspection earlier this year. Johnson did last year and Gordon failed after the Bud Shootout, but nothing major enough to be classified as a major infraction, according to NASCAR.
@DanaMark (807)
• United States
23 Jun 07
The changes they made were on a Car of Tomorrow. That is why the car owners claim they thought they could make the changes, and also why Nascar isn't going to stand for it. They want all drivers starting out with exactly the same equipment. It puts Gordon and Johnson in a position which drastically hurts their chances to win. The lowest position a driver has won from on this track is 13th, and 14 of the last 15 have started in the top 7. Good news for fans who don't like these two drivers, but not for those who do. I like the drivers, although they are not my most favorite. I still think it is unfortunate that they are penalized when I doubt if they had anything to do with the decision to make the modification. I'm sure that is all behind-the-scenes action.
1 person likes this
