Can’t compete in NASCAR? No problem, just cough up $50,000 for 100 points!

Yesterday, NASCAR’s racing commission heard Robby Gordon Motorsports appeal regarding the penalties Robby Gordon received following inspections for the Daytona 500 race. The car had an “unapproved front bumper cover” which basically amounted to the wrong Dodge model name of Charger instead of Avenger. The penalties enacted were: 100 owner points, 100 driver points, $100,000 crew chief fine, 6-race suspension and probation for crew chief.

The team argued at their appeal to the commission that the bumper cover was received as is from the manufacturer, that the mistake was discovered prior to being allowed on the track, and the bumper met the design templates. They also argued the severity of the penalties as compared to penalties levied for similar infractions on other teams.

The ruling commission considered the team’s arguments and initially stated that the team is ultimately responsible for their setup regardless of what was received from a manufacturer. However, the commission determined that this was a unique situation and decided to rescind the owner and driver points penalties, lifted the 6-week crew chief suspension but increased his fine to $150,000.

I have read from numerous sources reporting the above but have yet to find a reason for the $50,000 increase to the fine. Seems like a bargain to Gordon to buy points back and be able to stay in the top 35.