Enhancements To NASCAR Penalty Structure, Appeals Process Announced
Deterrence, Appeal Changes Aimed Toward Better Effectiveness, More Transparency
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 4, 2014) – As
part of its wide-ranging initiatives to transform its competition
model, NASCAR today announced enhancements to its penalty structure and
appeals process beginning this season. In addition to these changes,
NASCAR also announced the appointment of a Final Appeals Officer for the
sport.
“NASCAR’s
Deterrence System is designed to help maintain the integrity and
competitive balance of our sport while sending a clear message that
rules violations will not be tolerated,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR
executive vice president of racing operations. “This is a more
transparent and effective model that specifically spells out that ‘X’
infraction equals ‘X’ penalty for technical infractions.
“At
the same time, we believe the Appeals process allows a fair opportunity
for our NASCAR Members to be heard, and have penalty disputes resolved
by an impartial, relevant group of people with the ability to handle the
complexities inherent in any appeal. This system has been tailored specifically to fit the needs of our sport.”
Bryan
Moss, former president at Gulfstream Aerospace, has been selected as
the Final Appeals Officer. Moss will hear matters on appeal from the
lower three-member Appeals Panel, and serve as the last decision on
penalty disputes for the sport.
NASCAR’s Deterrence System
NASCAR’s
Deterrence System is easily understood and specifically lays out
exactly what disciplinary action will be taken depending on the type of
technical infraction listed from warnings to six penalty levels in
ascending order. Some of the Deterrence System elements include:
- The system starts with warnings (W) issued for very minor infractions, then are grouped into six levels – P1 (least significant) to P6 (most significant).
- Lower P levels list penalty options from which NASCAR may select (fines or points) while higher P levels are an all-inclusive combination of multiple penalty elements (points and fine and suspension, etc.).
- At the highest three levels of the system, if a rules infraction is discovered in post-race inspection, the one or more additional penalty elements are added on top of the standard prescribed penalty.
- Repeat offenses by the same car are addressed via a “recurrence multiplier,” i.e. if a P4 penalty was received and a second P4 or higher infraction occurs in the same season, the subsequent penalty increases 50% above the normal standard.
- Suspensions are explained in greater detail.
- Behavioral infractions are still handled on case-by-case basis and are not built into the W, P1-P6 structure.
The
2014 Rule Book will explain how and why NASCAR issues penalties as well
as the factors considered when determining a penalty. The Rule Book
also will detail the types of infractions that fall within each level by
citing examples that are included but not limited to:
· Warnings are issued instead of penalties for certain types of minor, first-time infractions.
· P1 penalties may result from multiple warnings to the same team.
· P2
penalties may include but are not limited to violations such as hollow
components, expiration of certain safety certification or improper
installation of a safety feature, or minor bracket and fasteners
violations.
· P3
penalty options may include but are not limited to violations such as
unauthorized parts, measurement failures, parts that fail their intended
use, or coil spring violation.
· P4
level infractions may include but are not limited to violations such as
devices that circumvent NASCAR templates and measuring equipment, or
unapproved added weight .
· P5
level may include but are not limited to violations such as
combustion-enhancing additives in the oil, oil filter, air filter
element or devices, systems, omissions, etc., that affect the normal
airflow over the body.
· P6
level may include but are not limited to violations such as affecting
the internal workings and performance of the engine, modifying the
pre-certified chassis, traction control or affecting EFI or the ECU.
The National Motorsports Appeals Panel
The
new Appeals process continues to provide two tiers for resolving
disputes. On the first level before a three-member Appeals Panel, NASCAR
has the burden of showing that a penalty violation has occurred. On the
second and final level, only a NASCAR Member is allowed to appeal and
they have the burden of showing the Final Appeals Officer that the panel
decision was incorrect.
Some other Appeals changes include:
- Clearly identifying the procedural rights of NASCAR Members
- Detailing responsibilities of parties throughout the process
- Allowing parties the option to submit summaries on issues before the Appeals Panel
- Allowing NASCAR Members named in the penalty to be present during the entire hearing
- Appeals Administrator is not allowed to be present during panel deliberations
- Creating a clear Expedited Appeals Procedure when necessary
- Changing the name of the Appeals Panel to The National Motorsports Appeals Panel
For Deterrence System charts per national series and an Appeals process flowchart, please visit NASCARMedia.com or NASCAR.com.
