Lead Lap's NASCAR News » Bootie Barker

Four Teams Penalized For Texas Infractions

Michael J Smith — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:44:48 +0000

NASCAR has issued penalties to four Sprint Cup teams for infractions at Texas Motor Speedway. Michael Waltrip Racing’s Nos. 00 and 56 driven by David Reutimann and Martin Truex Jr respectively, JTG Daugherty Racing’s No. 47 driven by Marcos Ambrose and Germain Racing’s No. 13 driven by Max Papis.

The crew chiefs from the No. 13 (“Bootie” Barker) and No. 47 (Frank Kerr) have been fined $75,000 and placed on probation for the rest of the year for violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 20-2.3A (unapproved added weight); 20-7 (all engine cooling system components must be approved by NASCAR prior to being used in competition); and 20-7.3A (radiator mount; failure to submit components) of the Sprint Cup Series rule book.

Robert Germain, owner of the No. 13, and Tad Geschickter, owner of the No. 47, have each been penalized 50 champion owner’s points. And, drivers Papis and Ambrose have each been penalized 50 championship driver points.

Meanwhile, the crew chiefs of the No. 00 (Rodney Childers) and No. 56 (Pat Tryson) have each been fined $25,000 and placed on probation through the end of the year for violating Sections 12-1; 20-7; and 20-7.3A.

The violations occurred in post-qualifying inspection before the Texas race.

NASCAR confiscated the lower radiator pans on the Nos. 13 and 47 because they were found that the pans were considered unapproved ballast weight mounting, which is a violation of Rule 20-2.3, added car weight. The steel piece taken from Papis’ car weighed 45.2 lbs, while Ambrose’s piece weighed 25.7 lbs.

Cal Wells, of Michael Waltrip Racing, said in a statement:

NASCAR indicated we were running a part, a radiator pan, which had not been officially submitted for approval. We accept NASCAR’s ruling and will not appeal because we cannot debate whether the part was submitted, only whether or not the part needed submission.

Geschickter said:

While the penalty feels excessive for an apparent misunderstanding on submitting a part, we also understand NASCAR has to police the sport and rule strictly to keep a level playing field among the teams. We will work diligently to ensure that there are no misunderstandings in the future.

The penalties drops Ambrose from 26th to 28th in driver’s points while Papis falls from 37th to 38th.

Nead Replaces Barker As Crew Chief of MWR’s No. 55

Michael J Smith — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:55:51 +0000

Gene Nead has replaced Robert “Bootie” Barker as crew chief for the No. 55 NAPA Toyota for the remainder of the season, according to SceneDaily. No word on why the change was made.

Barker Not Out Of MWR

Michael J Smith — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:54:08 +0000

Rumors are swirling that Bootie Barker is out at Michael Waltrip Racing. But, Cal Wells has denied that, and Marty Smith said that Barker personally told him he would still be at MWR as a crew chief, just not with the No. 55.

JTG/Daughtery Reaches Deal With MWR

Michael J Smith — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:44:22 +0000

ESPN is reporting that JTG Daugherty Racing has reached a “technical alliance” with Michael Waltrip Racing, which means that JTG will field Toyota Camrys next season in the Sprint Cup.

The team will be housed under the same roof as MWR, and will receive chassis, engines, and tech information-sharing from Toyota Racing Development.

Team owner and ESPN analyst Brad Daugherty said that the team will not be a fourth MWR team.

Marcos Ambrose will drive JTG’s No. 47 Camry next season. The car will be sponsored by Little Debbie Snack Cakes and Clorox.

It is also being reported that Robert “Bootie” Barker will be the crew chief of MWR’s No. 55 Toyota driven by Michael Waltrip next season.