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

Logano Answers Gilliland Collusion

((HT: ESPN))

Joey Logano, just before the Chase starts this weekend decided that a good defense is a good offense when it comes to addressing the issues in and around the possible collusion between Penske Racing and Front Row Motorsports making sure that the 22 car made it into the final ten races as one of the wild card participants...

First, here's the chatter...
((HT: Fox Sports))


And here's Logano with Marty Smith...


What say you...???

So, Now Did Gilliland And Logano Have A Deal...???

((HT: NASCAR))

With all the talk of Michael Waltrip Racing, Clint Bowyer, spins- intentional or otherwise, Martin Truex Junior, Ryan Newman, and everyone who did or didn't make The Chase...

Here's another element that is being considered about Joey Logano making The Chase- thanks to David Gilliand and Front Row Motorsports. Logano needed Gilliland's position on the track and needed to make up a lot of ground to make that happen...

Here's the conversation with Gilliland and his crew deciding what to do...


So...
Whaddya think...???

The HQ thinks NASCAR is making deals just like Formula 1...

And the decision by NASCAR on Logano and Gilliland may have to come to the fore in time for the race at Chicagoland or The Chase may get all scrambled before it even gets underway...

Changing Places: Kenseth, Logano switch teams

((ht: nascar.com))

Matt Kenseth/Ctsy: MattKenseth.com

Well, NASCAR's version of the Carousel has begun, only a little bit earlier than normal.

Matt Kenseth made it official today and was announced, well actually, presented as the newest driver for the Joe Gibbs Racing team. Kenseth is leaving long-time partner Roush-Fenway racing after 15-years. And he will be replacing former Wunderkind Joey Logano in the #20 car.

Read the story from NASCAR.com RIGHT HERE

Kenseth will be part of a 3-car team featuring him, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch. Yes, he's still in the running for this years Sprint Cup title with Roush and will be running out the season in his all-too familiar #17 car.

As for the other change, the 22-year old Logano moves to Penske Racing after beginning his career with Gibbs. And yes, we'll say it, "Ironically" he'll be driving the #22 car in the 2013 season.

Read more from NASCAR.com RIGHT HERE

Interesting, isn't it NASCAR fans?

We've always known that racing has had a tradition of off-season driver switches, but they usually happen much closer to the end of the season and usually involves drivers not competing for the cup. And while Logano may not make the Top 12 this year, Kenseth has a pretty good shot at it.

So, as usual, prepare for changes. Probably the hardest will be getting used to Kenseth in the #20 car, but like everything else, we'll get used to it.

Because we love video here at OSG Sports, we'll remind you of Kenseth's latest claim to fame; that of target for Tony Stewart's race helmet just two weeks ago.

Dodge Leaving NASCAR... Again...

Dodge came back to NASCAR a decade ago...

And, now they're leaving again... thanks to NASCAR their own selves...

“Dodge has been a great partner to NASCAR for many years, and they have been part of numerous memorable moments throughout our history,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “They made a business decision not to return in 2013, as they did in 1977 before returning in 2001. We wish them well and hope they again will choose to return to NASCAR at a later date.

“Our fans have a passion for cars and emotional connections to particular manufacturers, and that’s why in 2013 we will debut new race car designs that are modeled after each manufacturer’s production cars. This change is a direct result of feedback from our fans, who are the most brand loyal in all of sports.”

Dodge cars has won 29 Sprint Cup since they came back plus a Nationwide Series championship with Brad Keselowski. But in March, Penske announced a return to Ford cars- which seemed to be the last move needed for the withdrawal.

The automaker had rolled out their 2013 versions of the Dodge Charger recently, but there is the thought that now with Fiat as their parent company the desire to stay doesn't fit their dynamic.

Marty Smith and Ray Evernham discuss...
((HT: ESPN))


Dodge had been in the business with NASCAR from 1977 to 2001...

The next question comes from Penske Racing with their move to Ford engines to see what will happen to their staff. The amount of redundancy has some employees concerned about their livelihoods at present.

Allmendinger Tests Positive For Adderall

((HT: ESPN/Marty Smith))

Marty Smith over at ESPN caught up with Allmendinger and found out that, according to AJ, it was one pill that he took the week of the race at Kentucky Speedway because of fatigue. He doesn't have a prescription for the pill.

Aegis Labs, the outfit that tested the B sample, told him the brand name of the "amphetamine" Allmendinger tested positive for...

Here are the Rowdy Racing guys talking about the initial suspension...

BREAKING: Penske Releases Allmendinger

Penske Racing has released suspended driver A.J. Allmendinger after positive drug tests. Allmendinger was suspended indefinitely after the independent test of his "B" sample confirmed a positive from his "A" sample that occurred at a random drug test at Kentucky Speedway in mid-July.

Penske racing released the following statement:

"Penske Racing fully supports NASCAR's substance abuse policy and we are disappointed with A.J.'s positive drug test results. A.J. is a terrific driver, a good person and it is very unfortunate that we have to separate at this time. We have invested greatly in A.J. and we were confident in his success with our team. The decision to dismiss him is consistent with how we would treat any other Penske Racing team member under similar circumstances. As A.J. begins NASCAR's 'Road to Recovery' program, we wish him the best and look forward to seeing him compete again in NASCAR."

Allmendinger responded with one of his own...

"Effective today, I have been released from Penske Racing as driver of the No. 22 Dodge Charger. I wish to thank Mr. Penske, Penske Racing, their sponsors, and especially all the of the No. 22 team for the opportunity they provided me and for their support in this difficult time. I also, again, would like to thank all the fans that really have been awesome through this.

"I apologize for the distraction, embarrassment, and difficulties that my current suspension from NASCAR has provided. As I stated last week, I have begun NASCAR's Road to Recovery program and look forward to using those resources and its completion to compete again in NASCAR in the near future."

Sam Hornish, Junior is set to drive the 22 car "for the foreseeable future." according to Penske.

Here are the Rowdy Racing guys discussing at the time of the first positive test...

BREAKING: Allmendinger Suspended Indefinitely

From NASCAR their own selves...

AJ Allmendinger, driver of the No. 22 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy.

On July 24, Allmendinger was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (NASCAR’s substance abuse policy) of the 2012 NASCAR rule book.

As outlined in the rule book, NASCAR next will provide Allmendinger a letter outlining a process for reinstatement. By agreeing to the letter, he will be allowed to participate in the Road to Recovery Program.

That could take up to five months...

Allmendinger had tested positive in his "A" sample for a stimulant and had agreed to have his "B" sample tested- bringing in an independent tester for NASCAR's own display as allowed by their rulebook.

The test, conducted at Aegis Laboratories in Nashville. Normal turnaround for a "B" sample is five days, but in the case of Jeremy Mayfield it was turned faster.

Sam Hornish, Junior has filled in for Allmendinger since the "A" sample was revealed to be positive the weekend of the race in Daytona.

Here's analysis from the Rowdy Racing guys when the first sample came down positive...


More when we know more...

The next move could come from Allmendinger's camp. If he comes out with the name of the stimulant, it could go a long way in determining what his actual punishment could be from NASCAR.

NASCAR defines a stimulant as an "amphetamine, methamphetamine, Ecstasy (MDMA), Eve (MDEA), MDA, PMA, Phentermine, and other amphetamine derivatives and related compounds."
If he doesn't, the situation from Allmendinger could resemble more Mayfield than anything else...

DEVELOPING: Kurt Busch Out At Penske

Citing the idea of "needing a fresh start," Kurt Busch is leaving Penske Racing and is now looking for another ride- and possibly sponsors to go along with him...

Busch thanked Roger Penske "for the opportunity that he has given me."

"I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years," Busch said. "Together we won a lot of races -- 16 in all. Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it's an important step for me and allows me to take a deep breath to work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person."

Here's what broke it all down finally...
((HT: bakerskating88))


Early returns look like David Ragan may fill the seat in the #22 car...