NASCAR issued its weekly penalty report Wednesday and Xfinity series driver Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. was at the top of the list.
Wallace was fined $15,000 for his criticism of NASCAR officials after Xfinity series races at Daytona International Speedway. On the final lap of the race eventual winner Aric Almirola and Justin Allgaier were racing for the lead. As they entered turn 4 on the final lap a crash erupted behind them. NASCAR let the two frontrunners race for a moment then threw a yellow flag ending the race under caution and declaring Almirola the winner. There was widespread displeasure for the call by NASCAR, but officials later explained that while they wanted the race to end under green, once the magnitude of the crash became clear, they called the caution in order to allow safety workers to get to the scene.
Wallace, who finished 20th was among those who disagreed with the decision Tweeting: “Got the muppets up there officiating tonight! Never know how to react under pressure… Whatta joke”
Got the muppets up there officiating tonight! Never know how to react under pressure… Whatta joke
— Darrell Wallace Jr (@BubbaWallace) July 2, 2016
Wednesday’s penalty was listed as a behavioral penalty under Sections 12.1; 12.8 a; 12.8.1 b of the NASCAR Rule Book. Those sections pertain to disciplinary action and NASCAR member conduct. Section 12.1 of the rule book deals with the general procedure for a violation of NASCAR rules. Rule 12.8 a deals with NASCAR membership and member conduct and Rule 12.8.1 b deals with potential penalties and details having to do with member conduct.
Also on this week’s penalty report on the Cup side, the No. 1 team of Jamie McMurray was issued a written warning for failing the pre-race laser inspection system. This is the team’s second warning. After four warnings a team loses its pit selection for the next race.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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