Per Jayski:

http://www.jayski.com/cupnews.htm

"UPDATE: Jimmy Watts, a crew member for the #47 team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been suspended from the next four Sprint Cup Series events (until April 22) for rule violations during last Sunday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Watts was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 9-15-U (crew members must not go on the race track for any reason while the cars are racing or while the cars are running under the yellow flag or the red flag, unless otherwise directed to do so by a NASCAR official). Watts has also been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. In addition, Frank Kerr, crew chief for the #47, has been placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31 for violating Sections 12-1 and 9-4-A (crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of the team).(NASCAR PR)(3-10-2009)"

I am glad I am not the only one who thinks this is ridiculous. Here is a link to the comments page on ESPN.com:

http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/title/Crewman%20suspended...

One of my favorite points on there was the person who remembered Kurt Busch running into Stewart and almost hitting his crew, but not getting suspended.

Any rate, I wanted to get the opinions of people from this site. I worked with the guys that go over the wall, and that suspension likely means that guy misses four paychecks. (Possibly partial, since JTG is not one of the bigger Cup teams despite running out of MWRs shop, he might have other responsibilitiesduring the week) They also dont get paid like the drivers do, so this could really hurt him financially.

To me, Nascar has completely lost touch with its fans, its roots, and the people who make the sport what it is every day. Its a sad day when a crew man makes a bad decision in the heat of a race, gets punished for it immediately, and then gets suspended four more races by Na$car. He made a mistake, apparently Brian France and his merry gang of morons are perfect.

Heres a question. How come no one that was involved on the COT project has been suspended for "actions detrimental to stock car racing?" That thing has ruined side by side racing, is more aero sensitive than the last car, and has completely failed to allow the small teams to compete with the big ones. Yea, I have seen the reports about the Mayfields, Baldwins, and the Gunselmans of the world being able to afford to race now because of the COT, but here is something to think about. At what point did any of those teams run competitively this year, besides maybe Daytona? So the COT allows less expense for glorified start and park teams?

Well done Nascar, the economy is not the only reason those seats are empty on Sundays...

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Ya know, the guy's an idiot for running out there. Not cause "he changed the race", cause he coulda got hit, hurt,& fuck up a racecar in the process. NASCAR would've called the caution anyway. The suspension, maybe a race wknd would've been just. Probation for him, OK, but I don't get why Frankie's on probation till Dec now. They're treatin those guys like they work for RGM, 'er somethin...
He's not an idiot. He made an honest mistake trying to retrieve a tire somebody else shot out there. It was a reaction. I think nascar is giving him this penalty to save face because it screwed the race up with so many cars being put laps down.
alright rick, your right. he's not an idiot, he reacted instead of thinking. that guy should've seen how fast that thing was going,& that he couldn't catch it before it would cause a yellow anyway. kinda like runnin after a train thats left, your not gonna catch it unless it stops.
ya let everybody cycle through than throw the yellow than get the freakin tire! obviously the tire was rolling for some time and nascrap didn't throw the yellow. they had no choice when the guy ran into the middle of the freaking infield with cars goin 190+ down the front stretch....it wasn't a smart move on his part

hopefully the team will let the guy work back in the shop for those 4 races and still get a check. I am sure pit guys are told many times over and over in saftey meeting or whatever...don't go chase tires!!
Suspending him for the rest of the race, I understand, but for 4?!?! The guy made a mistake, he admitted that, he didn't think the tire was going to keep rolling. This is ridiculous. I hope he appeals this

I wish the fans could vote new people into admin posistions in nascar haha.
I read elsewhere that Frankie Kerr yelled over the radio for someone to go get the tire ... Watts responded without thinking.
The same reading also stated that the tire ended up out there because another bonehead from the #96 box sent it that way after the tire initially rolled into their pit box. Why isn't that guy reprimanded?
if thats the case shame on Frankie Kerr
I read that also, Frankie was yelling to get the tire. They were not trying to alter the race or gain any advantage. I think the penalty was to harsh on the pit guy. Suspend him that day and some type of penalty for Frankie. Time to move on!!!!!
Nascar doesnt seem to get it, Watts had a second to react and did what he thought was right/safe. I guess if a driver causes a wreck while trying to avoid a wreck..well, we should see the same type of harsh penalties, right?

I think the COT is a good car, it has flaws but if it saves lives(McDowell) at the loss of some side draft well, its ok with me. What is not ok Sir, Is Mr Darrell Waltrip...."detrimental to stock car racing" lol...
They should have just let each driver trapped a lap down hit him with there helmet.
Just a side thought, Remember when Front Row Joe took out half the field at a superspeedway a couple years ago? Said he wasnt thinking when he came out of the pits and into the pack, what was his fine?
It was Kevin Lepage, but yea it was a dumb move.

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