Mayfield Gets Slammed......© Thomas M. Sampson
May 2, 2000
Bulletin.......... Mayfield Gets Slammed by NASCAR
5/2/2000.......As expected, they lowered the boom on the Penske/Kranefuss No. 12 team today for fuel infractions during the Talledega race. A foreign substance was found in their fuel can after the race, and samples were sent to an outside laboratory for analysis. The driver, Jeremy Mayfield, got the worst of the deal. NASCAR deducted 151 of his driver points, taking him from 7th position, down to 14th. Crew Chief, Peter Sospenzo, was suspended until June 6th, a move that will put him on the shelf for five races. Team owner Michael Kranefuss was fined $50,000.00, and was also hit with a deduction of 151 owner points.
Well, excuse me! I think Mayfield got a raw deal! What does the driver have to do with the fuel that's put into the racecar? He's paid to drive the racecar, it isn't his responsibility to climb out at every pit stop and ask, "what are you putting into the fuel tank?" Drivers should be penalized for infractions that have to do with their handling of the racecar, not for preparation and servicing. The continuity of the team will be broken up with the ousting of the crew chief. The chain of chemistry will be broken. All eyes will be on the team to see if they can overcome this diversity. I wish them the best of luck!
Yes, I know, I always seem to have an "on the other hand." So, looking at it from NASCAR's point of view........ The substance added to the fuel had the possibility of enhancing the racecar to perform at a level that gave it a distinct advantage over the other racecars in the field. As a result, points had to be taken away to compensate for this possible advantage. Case Closed? Maybe that one, but there's still another. NASCAR impounded Jeremy's car after the win in California, claiming that the roof was too low in post race inspections. It passed the pre-race inspection when the template was placed on it. Maybe the fact that Jeremy climbed out of the racecar and jumped up and down on the roof in jubilation had something to do with it? NASCAR said this was a possibility! I wonder how many points Jeremy will lose for his victory dance atop his racecar?
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