NASCAR Alters Penalty System

By Joey Gucciardo, Ultimate Staff Member

DAYTONA Beach, FLA.- NASCAR has done an overhaul of it's current points system. For example, with Clint Bowyer's "fake" spin at Richmond, or Jimmie Johnson's false restart at Dover in 2013, things would most likely have been done differently.

According to NSSN (link posted below),
-----“NASCAR’s Deterrence System is designed to help maintain the integrity and competitive balance of our sport while sending a clear message that rules violations will not be tolerated,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president of racing operations. “This is a more transparent and effective model that specifically spells out that ‘X’ infraction equals ‘X’ penalty for technical infractions".

Jimmie Johnson going through
inspection at DAYTONA in 2012.

NASCAR has also created a final appeals office. The final Appeals Officer has been decided to be Bryan Moss, former president of Gulfstream Aerospace.

[:Deterrence System:]
Once again, quoting NSSN (because they explained it better than I ever could):

- The system starts with warnings (W) issued for very minor infractions, then are grouped into six levels – P1 (least significant) to P6 (most significant).

- Lower P levels list penalty options from which NASCAR may select (fines or points) while higher P levels are an all-inclusive combination of multiple penalty elements (points and fine and suspension, etc.).

- At the highest three levels of the system, if a rules infraction is discovered in post-race inspection, the one or more additional penalty elements are added on top of the standard prescribed penalty.

- Repeat offenses by the same car are addressed via a “recurrence multiplier,” i.e. if a P4 penalty was received and a second P4 or higher infraction occurs in the same season, the subsequent penalty increases 50% above the normal standard.

- Suspensions are explained in greater detail.

- Behavioral infractions are still handled on case-by-case basis and are not built into the W, P1-P6 structure.

The 2014 Rule Book will explain how and why NASCAR issues penalties as well as the factors considered when determining a penalty. The Rule Book also will detail the types of infractions that fall within each level by citing examples that are included but not limited to:

- Warnings are issued instead of penalties for certain types of minor, first-time infractions.

- P1 penalties may result from multiple warnings to the same team.

- P2 penalties may include but are not limited to violations such as hollow components, expiration of certain safety certification or improper installation of a safety feature, or minor bracket and fasteners violations.

- P3 penalty options may include but are not limited to violations such as unauthorized parts, measurement failures, parts that fail their intended use, or coil spring violation.

- P4 level infractions may include but are not limited to violations such as devices that circumvent NASCAR templates and measuring equipment, or unapproved added weight .

- P5 level may include but are not limited to violations such as combustion-enhancing additives in the oil, oil filter, air filter element or devices, systems, omissions, etc., that affect the normal airflow over the body.

- P6 level may include but are not limited to violations such as affecting the internal workings and performance of the engine, modifying the pre-certified chassis, traction control or affecting EFI or the ECU.

[:SOURCES:]
http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/nascar/sprint-cup-nascar/nascar-changes-penalty-system/