Jimmie Johnson lost 25 points in the Sprint Cup standings on Wednesday and crew chief Chad Knaus was suspended from the NO. 48 team for the next six weeks.
With 25 points lost Johnson is now in last place in the Sprint Cup standing, 70 points behind last years winner Matt Kenseth.
Knause was also handed down a $100,000 fine while car chief Ron Malec was suspended for the same 6 week period. Both men have also received NASCAR probation through May 9.
The decision will be appealed by Hendrick Motorsports which will allow Knaus and Malec to remain on the team until a final decision is handed down.
According to team owner Rick Hendrick:
“Our organization respects NASCAR and the way the sanctioning body governs our sport. In this case, though, the system broke down and we will voice our concerns through the appeal process.”
On Wednesday Jimmie Johnson told fans on his Tweet page:
“We appreciate all of the support. Now it’s up to the appeal process.”
The points loss, suspensions and probationary period comes after NASCAR officials claim that Jimmie Johnson’s team used illegal C-posts to gain an aerodynamic advantage. The C-posts from Johnson’s car were confiscated during an inspection process at Daytona International Speedway.
According to Hendrick that same vehicle went through inspection 16 times prior to NASCAR’s Dayton inspection without a single issue. He also claims it’s the same exact vehicle that Johnson ran in all four restrictor-plate races last season without any changes made to the cars roof where the c-posts were housed.
According to ESPN Knaus is no stranger to penalties, having racked up nine prior offenses leading back to 2001.
Do you think Jimmie Johnson has a leg to stand on or will NASCAR uphold the original decision?
