Austin Dillon's team penalized, falls from Nationwide points lead

Austin Dillon's team penalized, falls from Nationwide points lead

July 2, 2012

NASCAR Wire Service

The No. 3 NASCAR Nationwide Series team and driver Austin Dillon were penalized Monday for rules violations at Kentucky Speedway, knocking the rookie driver from the top of the points standings.

Dillon took over the points lead after dominating Friday night's Feed the Children 300, leading 192 of 200 laps in his first Nationwide victory. But his No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet did not pass the post-race inspection, failing to meet the minimum rear car height.

Dillon was docked six points in the driver standings, dropping him to four points behind Elliott Sadler and ending his ride atop the NASCAR Nationwide Series at just under three days. Additionally, NASCAR stripped Morgan Shepherd, the car owner of record, of six points in the owner standings.

Crew chief Danny Stockman Jr. was fined $10,000 for the infractions. He and car chief Robert Strmiska remain on probation until Dec. 31 for illegal modifications to the No. 3 Chevy found during inspections at Richmond International Raceway in April.