by Jeff Hammond

Comment

Before we look at what this means, let's go back to the infraction itself so we can understand the thought process by NASCAR and the commission. If you will recall, during opening day inspection at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR confiscated the No. 1 Chevrolet after it did not fit the roof template. After further analysis at its R&D Center in Concord, N.C., NASCAR issued heavy penalties — including a 150-point penalty.

What was the message? Simply put, don't mess with this car. NASCAR gave teams all the measurements, the inspection grid, all the chassis and body plates and the opportunity to request areas to work with in case there were questions with this new car. Now, they are driving home the point — hopefully for the last time — that no leniency will be given if you mess with the integrity of the Car of Tomorrow.

Since the inception of this car, every "lesson" NASCAR has doled out was with the intent of teaching teams not to mess with the gray areas anymore. Teams by now should know not to take that chance because if they are found to be in the wrong, they are going to pay a price and won't be able to negotiate their way out.

I really would have liked to have heard the argument that DEI thought would persuade the commission to negate the fines, suspensions and points deduction. However, I still think that DEI appealed for one reason only: To get crew chief Kevin Manion and car chief Gary Putnam an extra race plus the off week to get everything coordinated before they go on their six-week vacations and new leadership takes the helm. The appeal was really about one thing: Getting extra time to come up with a game plan.

The No. 1 team has to be asking itself right now, "was the risk worth the reward?" When you look at what can happen when you mess with the car, especially at a track like Daytona International Speedway where handling was more of a plus than drag, why do you want to do what those guys did and basically open the floodgates? It's crazy.

I love bending the rules, don't get me wrong. When I came into the sport, that was the nature of the beast. But now you can't mess with the beast because it'll eat you every time. Infractions carry such a heavy penalty compared to back in the day. I was looking at the notice of a rule infraction I have hung up in my office during my last year with Roush Racing; it was just a monetary fine. If the same situation happened today, there's no telling what kind of safety rule violations I would be hit up with — not to mention the "Actions detrimental to stock car racing" violation.

Let's face it, it's a different world. The guys that totally understand it won't cross that line. Everybody should have learned from the examples made by the previous penalties to not stray.

What's next for DEI?

The worst part about this penalty is the fact that the 150-point penalty against Truex was upheld — therein lies the biggest problem facing DEI: Finishing the regular season without a team in the Chase.

Can they command the numbers they are asking from potential sponsors and get the good people needed to put out a really first-class organization without a car in the Chase this season? It's hard to convince companies to invest in you without results.

Speed Mail Jeff Hammond
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The next 30 days are crucial for Dale Earnhardt Inc.

If DEI is not able to re-sign Martin Truex Jr. and maintain a competitive organization without its suspended lead crew chief over the next 30 days, a lot of people who are thinking about spending money with DEI may step back and wonder if it is such a good idea. That would have a huge impact.

This period may also strengthen the belief of those inside and outside the organization that believe now is the time for DEI to bring in a business partner like many other organizations have or maybe even some new management.

There are so many things that are up in the air at this point in time. I think Max Siegel, John Story and everybody involved really are trying to get this thing back on track, but there are a lot of huge gaps and a lot of unanswered questions that are in play. They must all be addressed in the next 30 days.

You could see a huge turnaround at DEI if things don't fall into place.

Regan Smith needs to pick it up. The No. 8 team is showing what they are made out of and Mark Martin is doing all he can inside the car even though he is leaving, but now they must get good races out of Aric Almirola. Paul Menard has definitely stepped it up recently and he must keep it at that level.

But all eyes are on Martin Truex Jr.'s team. They were the last ones to notch a victory for the organization and now they are being asked to step up again.

We saw what happened at Chip Ganassi Racing when they were not successful and could not secure a sponsor. DEI, like many others in the garage, could face a similar fate if it doesn't put the necessary numbers in the right columns at the right time.

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FOX race analyst Jeff Hammond led Darrell Waltrip to two of DW's three Winston Cup championships as his crew chief. They also teamed to win the 1989 Daytona 500.

For autographed copies of Jeff Hammond's book "Real Men Work in the Pits" plus magnets, hats and more, check out www.dwstore.com.

For photos and appearances, visit Jeff's web site www.jeffhammond.com.