NASCAR: Martin Truex, crew chief Kevin Manion and car owner Teresa Earnhardt penalized after post Texas Sprint Cup race inspection

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In a statement NASCAR announced penalties for the car No. 1 team (the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Chevrolet) in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for a violation that occurred during post-race inspection last Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway .

According to the statement “the team was penalized for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B (front of the car did not meet the required height specification; too low in post-race inspection).

Crew chief Kevin Manion was fined $50,000 and remains on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2009. Car owner Teresa Earnhardt and driver Martin Truex Jr ., were penalized with the loss of 50 championship owner and 50 championship driver points, respectively.

In July there was a penalty when Truex’s car’s right rear quarter panel tested too high. There was a 25-point penalty levied against Truex, Manion and Earnhardt. Manion was also placed on probation until December 31rst. Today’s statement did not state what impact this latest violation had on Manion’s probation.

Martin Truex will be leaving Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and moving over to the #56 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota next year.