BKR #6 Car Gets Hit w/ Massive L-2 Penalty

By: Thomas Luttermoser

I've been professionally covering NASCAR for over a year now, Not since Carl Long's Engine was 0.17 C.I. too big in 2009 has NASCAR implemented such a large penalty. Long was fined 200 Points, 200 Owner points and $200,000 for this violation of NASCAR's 358 C.I. rule. Now this was massive, but it was also under a much different Points system and hurt.. But not as much as points where far more plentiful then. Since the implementation off the current points system, nothing comparable.

We know that Team Co-Owner and driver Brad Keselowski's #6 Ford Mustang was impounded after Atlanta. We find out today that Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing's #6 team was hit with an L-2 Penalty. For those who don't know, NASCAR announced in January the terms for said level;

"Penalty options for a L-2 infraction include:
• Points deductions: 75-120 points
• Playoff points deductions: 10-25 points
• Suspension of one or two crewmembers for 4-6 races
• Fines: $100,000-$250,000" 

The #6 team received a massive penalty, the largest since the implementation of the current point system. 100 Driver points, 100 Owner points, 10 Playoff points. Last but very not least crew chief Matt McCall has been suspended for 4 races as well as levied a $100,000 fine. This Penalty takes Brad from 16th in points to well below the remainder of the Full time drivers into 35th. He now sits under both Garrett Smithley, David Ragan & Cody Ware with only 22 points. 1 Point over Greg Biffle who has run only 3 races. 

Under Sections 14.1 and 14.5 in the NASCAR Rule Book, both of which pertain to the modification of a single source supplied part. In English, simply states teams cannot mess with parts sourced from NASCAR or an outside vender. 

*Per Fox Sports writer Bob Packrass, the violation had to do with the Body at the rear of the race car. The team has until 5pm Tuesday to appeal the penalty assuming they were told today (Thursday) 

“To make sure that all of those things stay above board, there’s going to have to be a culture shift from the way that the teams and NASCAR, for that matter, have done business,” NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition Scott Miller said in January when announcing the new penalty structure. “So this deterrence model has more meat in it, more meaningful penalties, but I think we all thought that it was time for this with the introduction of the new car.” Per NASCAR.com

Even with a win, Brad has to maintain a 30th place standing to qualify for the Playoffs. More details to come.