|
James Essex
CORONA, Calif. (August 15) - Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Director Ritchie Lewis has announced the penalties for two drivers resulting from tire violations that occurred at the North/South 100 last weekend at Florence Speedway in Union, KY.
Terry Casey and Audie McWilliams were both found in violation of the series tire rule. Both drivers were found in post qualifying inspection to have tires on that had been chemically treated and both had their qualifying times disallowed on Friday Night at Florence and neither driver was allowed to compete in the rest of the weekend's racing activities at Florence.
Lewis said that Casey and McWilliams were both fined $1500 and that Casey received no series points last weekend nor did he receive winner's circle money. Casey was also fined an additional $1000 since he was already on probation from an altercation in the pits at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, AL back in June. Casey was also made aware that any future infractions will result in a loss of all points fund monies for the 2008 season. Casey who entered last weekend's race at Florence sixth in the championship point's standings fell to eighth place after his disqualification.
Lewis also added that both drivers must pay their fines before they are allowed to compete with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in future events. Lewis also said that the reason Casey was not suspended is that his altercation at Talladega and his disqualification at Florence due to chemically altered tires are two separate issues and according to the series rulebook the second offense in the physical altercation category will result in a driver being suspended.
Lewis also said the second offense for chemically altering the tires will result in a driver being fined $5,000; his crew chief will be fined $2,500, plus a minimum 3 race suspension for the driver and crew chief, plus no winnings, no points or winner's circle money for that night. A third offense will result in an indefinite suspension for the offending driver and crew chief and a minimum fine of $10,000 for the driver and $5,000 for crew chief.
The durometer rule will stay in place. The only difference is we reserve the right to confiscate any tire at anytime to retrieve more information. We understand there is variation from tire to tire. We also understand there is variation in a tire that has been buffed or sipped. Therefore the penalty for a tire failing the durometer test will remain the same for the remainder of the season.
This is our first attempt at checking for tires that have been chemically altered. We are in a learning curve and if we feel the need to change or modify our procedures or penalties we reserve the right to so in the future. We have spent this season testing and educating ourselves with the chemically altered tire practices. The plan to check tires at Florence was put in place over a month ago along with the penalties set forth. While we are still new at this, we will continue to test tires and educate ourselves to eliminate future usage of chemically altered tires.
We take our tire rule serious in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and thank the many folks who help and encourage the enforcement of the tire rule. Technical Director, A. J. Bingham has worked tirelessly to educate himself and his co-workers about altering tires. A. J.'s hard work gives me great confidence in his ability to enforce tires to the fullest extent of the rulebook. This young man has unquestionable integrity and is an asset to the entire Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will distribute all fines to various charitable organizations.
For the latest information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can visit the series website at www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
|
