NASCAR suspends two crew chiefs just days before the Daytona 500, shaking up teams and adding unexpected drama to Speedweeks. Officials ejected Chris Lawson and Billy Plourde for breaking weight rules, affecting Todd Gilliland and Cody Ware. With their crew chiefs sidelined, both teams must adjust quickly. Who will step up in their absence? And how will this impact the race ahead? The action is just beginning at Daytona International Speedway, and the stakes have never been higher.
Key Highlights
- NASCAR ejected crew chiefs Chris Lawson and Billy Plourde for improper car weights.
- The suspensions affect drivers Todd Gilliland and Cody Ware’s teams.
- Lawson and Plourde are suspended for the entire DAYTONA 500 weekend.
- Kevyn Rebolledo and Tommy Baldwin replace the suspended crew chiefs.
- The crackdown highlights NASCAR’s commitment to fairness and compliance.
Crew Chiefs Ejected After Pre-Race Inspection Violations
Following a surprise turn of events, NASCAR officials have ejected crew chiefs Chris Lawson and Billy Plourde after identifying pre-race inspection violations involving improper weights on their respective teams’ cars.
This decision impacts Todd Gilliland of Front Row Motorsports and Cody Ware of Rick Ware Racing, as both drivers will compete in the Duels at Daytona International Speedway without their usual leadership.
The No. 34 and No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horses were found non-compliant with NASCAR’s stringent weight regulations, prompting immediate action from the governing body.
The infractions have resulted in Lawson and Plourde’s suspension from the remainder of the DAYTONA 500 race weekend, including Sunday’s crucial event.
NASCAR’s enforcement of its rules highlights its commitment to maintaining a level playing field, emphasizing the importance of adherence to operational standards.
Replacement Crew Chiefs Announced
With the suspension of Chris Lawson and Billy Plourde, NASCAR has swiftly moved to appoint replacement crew chiefs to guarantee teams remain competitive at the DAYTONA 500. Kevyn Rebolledo will assume the role for Todd Gilliland, while the experienced Tommy Baldwin steps in for Cody Ware. Rebolledo, with 30 career starts as a crew chief, brings experience from Rick Ware Racing, and significantly secured a ninth-place finish in the DAYTONA 500 during the debut year of the seventh-generation racecar.
Meanwhile, Baldwin, renowned for his expertise, boasts five race wins at NASCAR’s top level, including a DAYTONA 500 victory in 2002.
Both appointments reflect NASCAR’s commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring teams have capable leadership on the pit box. The following table demonstrates the new crew chief assignments:
Qualifying Results for Todd Gilliland and Cody Ware
Todd Gilliland and Cody Ware faced contrasting outcomes in the qualifying session at Daytona International Speedway.
Gilliland impressed with a strong performance, securing the 14th fastest time among the 45 drivers who competed. This achievement positions him favorably for the subsequent Duel race, where he will start from seventh place. His solid qualifying effort highlights his potential to be competitive in the upcoming events.
Conversely, Cody Ware encountered challenges, posting the slowest lap time in the session. Consequently, he will start at the back of the field in the subsequent Duel race. This result may necessitate tactical adjustments to improve his standing in subsequent races.
- Gilliland’s qualifying rank: 14th
- Ware’s qualifying position: Last among 45 drivers
- Gilliland’s starting position in Duel: 7th in the subsequent Duel
- Ware’s starting position in Duel: Last in the subsequent Duel
- Implications: Gilliland is well-positioned, while Ware faces an uphill battle.
Duel Race Details and Broadcast Information
As the qualifying results set the stage for the upcoming Duel races, all eyes turn to the Daytona International Speedway for a thrilling evening of competition.
Scheduled for Thursday, February 13, the Duels at Daytona promise to deliver high-octane excitement as drivers vie for vital starting positions in the prestigious Daytona 500. With the green flag set to drop at 7:00 PM ET, fans can expect nothing short of intense racing action.
For those enthusiastic to witness the unfolding drama, extensive coverage is available across multiple platforms.
FOX Sports 1 will provide live television broadcast, guaranteeing fans do not miss a moment of the electrifying spectacle. For radio enthusiasts, MRN delivers expert commentary and immersive audio coverage.
Furthermore, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio on Channel 90 offers an accessible option for subscribers. These broadcasting avenues guarantee that enthusiasts experience the Duels in their full, adrenaline-pumping glory, setting the tone for the season ahead.
News in Brief: NASCAR Suspends Two Crew Chiefs in Brutal Crackdown
In a decisive move, NASCAR ejected two crew chiefs following pre-race inspection violations, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining fair competition. Replacement crew chiefs were swiftly announced, ensuring teams remain competitive for the upcoming Daytona 500.
Meanwhile, drivers Gilliland and Ware secured their spots through qualifying, setting the stage for an intense race. Fans can anticipate thrilling action as the duel races unfold, with broadcast details ensuring everyone stays connected to the high-speed drama.
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