NASCAR Adds 24 Car To Chase, Penske And Front Row On Probation

Adding fuel to the collusion fire from last week's race at Richmond, NASCAR has added Jeff Gordon to the Chase roster and placed both Penske Racing and Front Row Motorsports on probation.

Gordon was 10th in the chase going into the Chicago race. NASCAR says they determined Clint Bowyer's alleged spin-out with 7 laps to go, cost Gordon his opportunity to qualify.

NASCAR says the radio evidence of collusion between Penske and Front Row to allow Joey Logano to pass David Gilliland during the end of the race, allowed Logano to claim that 10th slot.

Logano, driver of the 22 car for Penske, openly defended his position at Chicagoland in media interviews this week, but it appears the scanner traffic that went public forced the hand of the governing body.

We now have 13 in the Chase and three race owners in deep doo-doo.

More when we know more...

We know more--

NACAR President Brian France said "There were too many things that altered the event and gave an unfair advantage to Jeff and his team, who would have qualified"

From NASCAR's press release on the issue:

“Based on all of our findings this week, we determined both Front Row Motorsports and Penske Racing organizations would be placed on probation for the remainder of this season,” said Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Additionally, based upon the totality of our findings, to be fair and equitable we decided that adding a 13th car to this year’s Chase is the appropriate action.

“Beginning with our decision Monday, which resulted in an unprecedented team penalty, and continuing with further examination of actions involving two other race teams, it is clear to us that attempts to manipulate the results impacted the Chase field.

“The integrity of our sport remains the cornerstone of NASCAR, and our actions this week speak to our commitment to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.”

Additionally, NASCAR will conduct a mandatory meeting with drivers, owners, crew chiefs and other team personnel tomorrow to address this issue moving forward.

Kerry Tharp--NASCAR Communications