NASCAR nails truck series cheaters

NASCAR announced today penalties and fines to the No. 30 and No. 33 teams that compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as a result of rule infractions at Daytona International Speedway.

The No. 30 truck was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (truck parts, components or equipment that doesn’t conform to NASCAR Rules); and 20B-12.9D (device designed to reduce the bed panel height at the points of inspection) of the 2008 NASCAR Rule Book. The infractions occurred during pre-qualifying inspection on Feb. 14.

Driver Todd Bodine has been penalized with the loss of 25 championship driver points and truck owner Stephen Germain has been penalized 25 championship owner points due to the violations. Crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. has been fined $10,000 and suspended for the next four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events until April 30 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2008.

The No. 33 truck, driven by Ron Hornaday Jr. was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (truck parts, components or equipment that doesn’t conform to NASCAR Rules); and 20B-3.1.1 (spoiler braces exceeded the maximum one inch width). Crew chief Rick Ren has been fined $5,000 as a result of the infraction. This violation occurred during opening day inspection on Feb. 12. NASCAR PR