NASCAR penalizes Erik Jones’ team for parts infraction

NASCAR hit Erik Jones and his No. 43 Legacy Motor Club team with an L1-penalty for an unapproved modification found on his Gateway car.

Jones and his team will lose crew chief Dave Elenz for two races plus 60 points and five playoff points. NASCAR also fined Elenz $75,000.

The sanctioning body hit the No. 43 team on two infractions related to rulebook sections 14.1.C&D and 14.1.2.B.

NASCAR says it was a modification to the greenhouse area of Jones’ car. Officials found the infraction in post-race inspection at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Jones will drop from 26th in points, 68 points of a playoff spot, to 30th in points, 128 points out of a playoff spot. He also has -5 playoff points now.

14.1.C. Vehicles must comply with Section 14 Vehicle and Driver Safety Specifications of the NASCAR Rule Book at all times during an Event. Failure to comply will be subject to Penalty pursuant to Section 10 Violations and Disciplinary Action.
14.1.D. Except in cases explicitly permitted in the NASCAR Rules, installation of additional components, repairs, deletions, and/or modifications to Next Gen Single Source Vendor-supplied parts and/or assemblies will not be permitted.
14.1.2.B. All parts and assemblies must comply with the NASCAR Engineering Change Log.