AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The crew chief for five-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson says the car that failed inspection at Daytona had previously passed with the same configuration more than once.
Chad Knaus said Friday he was surprised NASCAR flagged the No. 48 Chevrolet on Feb. 17 for having illegally modified sheet metal between the roof and side windows. Knaus said NASCAR failed the car based on a visual inspection and no measurements were taken.
Knaus was fined $100,000 and suspended six races by NASCAR on Wednesday. Car chief Ron Malec also was barred for six races. Johnson was docked 25 points, putting him last in the Sprint Cup Series standings.
Hendrick Motorsports appealed the decision, and Knaus and Malec will be allowed to attend races during the process.
