On Wednesday NASCAR has issued a major penalty to the Stewart-Haas Racing number four car driven by Kevin Harvick for making some unapproved adjustments to one of the single-source parts that are provided by NASCAR to the teams.

While NASCAR did not specify which of the single-source parts were in question, the infraction was discovered after Harvick’s car and the Joe Gibbs Racing number 19 car driven by Martin Truex Jr were taken to the NASCAR Research & Development Center for further inspection.  NASCAR randomly chooses cars to go their R&D center each week for a more detailed inspection of the cars.

As a result of the infraction – a violation of the NASCAR rulebook – Kevin Harvick, who was eliminated from the playoffs after the first round – has been docked 100 driver points, car owner Stewart-Haas Racing has been docked 100 car owner points, and crew chief Rodney Childers – who made his 600th start on the pit box at Talladega – has been fined $100,000 and suspended for the next four races.  Childers will be allowed to return for the final race of the season at Phoenix Raceway.

Stewart-Haas Racing has not stated whether or not they will appeal the penalty.


Crew chief for the number 20 truck Andrew Abbott has been suspended indefinitely for violating NASCAR’s Member Code of Conduct.  Abbot will be allowed to return to the track after completion of his mandated anger management training.


Fans of the Camping World Truck Series saw a member on Hailie Deegan’s crew run across pit road and out into the infield chasing an errant tire after Deegan knocked the tire out of the tire carrier’s hand when entering her pit stall for a green flag pit stop.  After violating the rules, NASCAR officials pulled his “hard card” and escorted the crew member out of the track.  There was no further mention of the crew member in the Talladega penalty report.