[h=2]NASCAR overhauls inspection penalties[/h] Thursday, 16 February 2017


Kelly Crandall / Image by Getty Images for NASCAR

The NASCAR rulebook was updated Thursday afternoon outlining stricter penalties when it comes to the inspection process.
Perhaps the most significant update concerns teams who fail inspection. Whereas in the past a team who failed an inspection station could pull out of line to correct the issue, this year an inspection failure will send teams back to its garage stall to remedy the problem before having to restart the inspection process at the first station.
Under the updated deterrence model, there is now the possibility that pre-race infractions could result in penalties being handed down during the event. In other words, minor infractions found during race weekend will result in an immediate penalty instead of carrying over into the next event.

However, significant penalties will still be handled during the week.
Among the potential penalties at the track: loss of hard cards, loss of practice time, loss of pit stall selection, tail of the field, a green flag pass-through and a green flag stop-and-go.
Examples of potential violation areas that could result in an at-track penalty include radiator, exhaust headers, sway bars, shock absorbers, truck arms, hubs, pinion angle shims, failing inspection two or more times and bump stops.
Additionally, NASCAR has moved away from the P1- through P6-level penalties, consolidating them into two levels.
Level 1 infractions include the chassis, fuel storage, gear ratios, minimum weight, heights, having 17 or fewer lug nuts secure and the Laser Inspection Station (LIS).
Penalties for a Level 1 infraction in all three series would be the loss of 10 to 40 points. In the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the penalty also includes a one- to three-race suspension for the crew chief and/or other team members, as well as a fine between $25,000 and $75,000.
Level 2 infraction areas would include traction control, telemetry, engine, EFI (electronic fuel injection), combustion enhancing additives, safety elements, tires and the testing policy.
The penalty for a Level 2 infraction (again for all three series) would be the loss of 75 points. In the Cup Series, the penalty also includes six-race suspension for the crew chief and/or other team members, and a fine of $100,000 to $200,000.
NASCAR also provided a breakdown of the inspection process for the weekend.
Opening inspection will focus on fuel systems, engines and safety components. Pre-qualifying and pre-race will see a full inspection of fuel systems, engines, safety components, chassis, templates and weight and measurements.
The possibility of an encumbered finish, which was introduced to the rulebook last year, remains in effect for this season. So does the process of taking select cars back to the R&D Center for further inspection following a race weekend.