NASCAR officials issued just one penalty after the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last Saturday.
The Big Machine Racing number 48 car driven by Dr. Patrick Staropoli was charged with violating the NACAR Rule Book Sections 10.5.2.5 B and E – loss or separation of ballast. As a result of the infraction, three members of the 48 car crew have been suspended for four races – crew chief Patrick Donahue, Dillon Bassett, and Morgan Olsen.
NASCAR requires that all cars have the same weight 3,400 pounds and are required to add ballast to the car to meet the weight requirements. Ballast is required to be properly secured to avoid coming loose from the cars.