Auto Racing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NASCAR has stripped Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Tony Stewart and Joey Logano of 150 points each and their crew chiefs were suspended indefinitely for cheating during Saturday's Nationwide Series race.

The crew chiefs were also fined $50,000 each, and five other crew members were suspended indefinitely.

Inspectors found magnets had been put under the gas pedals of both cars in an apparent attempt to mask the cars' true horsepower.

The following is a statement from Joe Gibbs, owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing.

“First, we want to apologize to NASCAR, all of our partners, all of our families at JGR, and all of our fans for the unfortunate incident that took place this past weekend in Michigan with our two Nationwide teams.  A poor decision was made by some key members of our organization, and 100 percent of the blame rests with us.

“In 17 years we have never had any representative of Joe Gibbs Racing knowingly act outside of NASCAR’s rules, and that is something we consider essential to how we operate on a daily basis.  What we have determined is that these individuals involved used extremely poor judgment in attempting to alter the results of NASCAR’s dyno test following Saturday’s Nationwide Series race in Michigan.  Although in no way was anything done that might have altered the race outcome, these JGR employees attempted to circumvent the NASCAR rule book and that is unacceptable.

“We take full responsibility and accept the penalties NASCAR has levied against us today.  We had come to the conclusion that we would add to any NASCAR imposed penalties with the minimum being suspension for the remainder of the season for those involved, including our two Nationwide Series crew chiefs.  There will also be an additional monetary fine beyond the amount announced by NASCAR earlier today, which will be the responsibility of those involved.

“We are, however, disappointed that NASCAR chose to place our drivers on probation, as they had no knowledge or involvement of this incident.

“On behalf of everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, we apologize again for this most unfortunate situation.”