NASCAR announced penalties on Wednesday following the Sonoma Raceway and Gateway Motorsports Park weekend. The weekend was quiet on the inspection front while two Camping World Truck Series drivers were hit with fines following an on-track altercation.
Caution was displayed on lap 143 for an incident involving Spencer Gallagher and John Wes Townley over in turn one. Ten laps later, at lap 155, Gallagher and Townley both clashed once again, resulting in a fight over in turn one upon exiting their damaged race trucks and forcing NASCAR to red flag the event.
Both Townley and Gallagher will be fined $15,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. No crew members or crew chiefs were suspended for the incident as it only took place on-track.
Statement issued by Spencer Gallagher on Monday:
Spencer Gallagher Issues Apology Following Incident at Gateway Motorsports Park “I would like to take time to address my actions at Gateway Motorsports Park this past weekend. First, I would like to apologize to John Wes Townley. Additionally, to his te am and fans, I am sorry. The incident earlier in the race was not intentional and certainly was not meant to cause bigger problems later in the event. My crew, who have worked so hard to get me to where I am this season, did not deserve to have their night ended in that way. My teammates and all of the guys back at the shop deserve more respect than was shown Saturday night. I would also like to apologize to my team owner, who wholeheartedly believes in this organization and expects all of us to perform at our best at all times, no matter the situation. And finally, I would like to extend a sincere apology to the NASCAR community – representatives and fans. I love this sport just as much as all of you and I am ashamed that I was part of an incident that has allowed so many to view what we do in a negative light.”
The No. 20 and 88 Sprint Cup Series teams were issued written warnings for failing laser and template inspection twice during pre-qualifying inspection at Sonoma Raceway.
About Me: Brett has been following the sport of NASCAR since the beginning of the 2006 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Since Brett was 13, he has had a passion of chasing a job in sports that not many get the opportunity of doing. He has been in the NASCAR media since the middle of the 2010 season. Since then, he has been a part of many racing podcast shows to improve his talents. He has written for racingonfuel.com and theracingwheel.com. Currently, Brett writes for motorsportsnat.com and TracksideChatter.com. You can find him on twitter @NASCAR_Brett.
- NCTS: Eckes Scores Second Victory of 2024 at Martinsville - April 5, 2024
- NWMT: Justin Bonsignore Noses Ron Silk for 41st Career Victory at Richmond - March 29, 2024
- NCS: William Byron Scores EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix Victory in Austin - March 24, 2024