Charlotte, N.C. — Backed into a corner by recent history NASCAR officials docked driver Mark Martin and car owner Jack Roush, 25 championship points for an illegal left-front spring following the Pop Secret 400.
Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup rule book (“Any determination by NASCAR officials that parts and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR rules.”) was the basis for the penalty of using an unapproved front spring. The left front coil spring on the No. 6 car had approximately 4-3/8 coils. The required minimum number of coils is 4-˝.
Ben Leslie, Martin’s crew chief, was also fined $5,000. Previously the going rate was $10,000 for similar spring related infractions.
Martin’s deficit to point leader Tony Stewart increases from 87 markers to 112.
NASCAR pointed out that this was the third such penalty for spring related penalties in the 2002 season. The first instance of an unapproved spring this season was for Richard Childress’ No. 30 entry following the Sept. 6, Richmond, Va. event. That violation cost both driver and owner 25 points and crew chief $5,000. Next came Frankie Stoddard’s fine of $10,000 as crew chief at Bill Davis Racing while driver Ward Burton and owner Davis were docked 25 points following the Oct. 20, Martinsville, Va. race.
