Most Penalized NASCAR Sprint Cup Drivers In 2012

 

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Kurt Busch and David Gilliland were the two most penalized drivers in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series in 2012 by quite a wide margin.  Both drivers accrued 27 penalties in the 36 race season, eight more than the next closest driver, Travis Kvapil.  Of the drivers who made the Chase For The Sprint Cup, Kevin Harvick tallied the least three penalties on the year with three.  2012 champion, Brad Keselowski recorded 10 penalties on his way to the crown.

Driver, Total Penalties In 2012 (Names In Bold And Yellow Represent Chase Drivers)

Kurt Busch - 27
David Gilliland - 27
Travis Kvapil - 19
David Ragan - 18
Kyle Busch - 16
Casey Mears - 16
Dave Blaney - 15
Jeff Burton - 15
Landon Cassill - 15
Bobby Labonte - 15
Marcos Ambrose - 13
Juan Pablo Montoya - 13
A.J. Allmendinger - 12
Carl Edwards - 12
Sam Hornish, Jr. - 12
Jimmie Johnson - 12
Joey Logano - 12
Ryan Newman - 12
David Reutimann - 12
Regan Smith - 12
Aric Almirola - 11
Jeff Gordon - 11
Kasey Kahne - 11
Brad Keselowski - 10
Trevor Bayne - 9
Michael McDowell - 9
Paul Menard - 9
Tony Stewart - 9
Clint Bowyer - 8
Jamie McMurray - 8
J.J. Yeley - 8
David Stremme - 7
Greg Biffle - 6
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 6
Denny Hamlin - 6
Matt Kenseth - 6
Stephen Leicht - 6
Ken Schrader - 6
Martin Truex, Jr. - 6
Terry Labonte - 4
Danica Patrick - 4
T.J. Bell - 3
Kevin Harvick - 3
Jason Leffler - 3
Joe Nemechek - 3
Scott Speed - 3
Brendan Gaughan - 2
Tony Raines - 2
Scott Riggs - 2
Boris Said - 2
Reed Sorenson - 2
Brian Vickers - 2
Kelly Bires - 1
Mike Bliss - 1
Tomy Drissi - 1
Bill Elliott - 1
Timmy Hill - 1
Mark Martin - 1
Robert Richardson - 1
Elliott Sadler - 1
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. - 1
Michael Waltrip - 1
Josh Wise - 1

Drivers' Pit Crews With The Most Penalties In 2012

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Three drivers led all of NASCAR with most penalties caused by their pit crews in 2012, Kurt Busch, Casey Mears and Ryan Newman.  Busch's penalties came between two different teams as he drove for Phoenix Racing the first 3/4 of the season while finishing out with Furniture Row Racing in the final handful of events.  Unlike the other penalty categories, there were numerous drivers/teams who avoided penalty in this category namely 2012 Sprint Cup Champion, Brad Keselowski who's team did not register a single penalty all year long.

Driver, Total Pit Crew Penalties In 2012
Kurt Busch - 4
Casey Mears - 4
Ryan Newman - 4
Landon Cassill - 3
Kasey Kahne - 3
A.J. Allmendinger - 2
Aric Almirola - 2
Dave Blaney - 2
Jimmie Johnson - 2
Travis Kvapil - 2
Stephen Leicht - 2
Paul Menard - 2
Jamie McMurray - 2
Juan Pablo Montoya - 2
David Ragan - 2
Tony Stewart - 2
Marcos Ambrose - 1
Trevor Bayne - 1
Jeff Burton - 1
Kyle Busch - 1
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 1
Carl Edwards - 1
Jeff Gordon - 1
Sam Hornish, Jr. - 1
Bobby Labonte - 1
David Stremme - 1
Greg Biffle - 0
Clint Bowyer - 0
David Gilliland - 0
Denny Hamlin - 0
Kevin Harvick - 0
Matt Kenseth - 0
Brad Keselowski - 0
Joey Logano - 0
David Reutimann - 0
Regan Smith - 0
Martin Truex, Jr. - 0

Drivers With The Most Penalties In 2012

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David Gilliland lead all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers in 2012 with 13 total penalties through the season.  Gilliland's number was nearly twice as much as Kyle Busch who was closest with 7 penalties.  2012 Sprint Cup Series Champion, Brad Keselowski was caught speeding in the pits six times but thankfully for him, his penalties occurred in the early stages of the season.  Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray and Kevin Harvick all avoided NASCAR's wrath in 2012.

Driver, Total Speeding Penalties In 2012
David Gilliland -  13
Kyle Busch - 7
Brad Keselowski - 6
Bobby Labonte - 6
Michael McDowell - 6
David Ragan - 6
David Reutimann - 6
J.J. Yeley - 6
Kurt Busch - 5
Travis Kvapil - 5
A.J. Allmendinger - 4
Aric Almirola - 4
Landon Cassill - 4
Carl Edwards - 4
T.J. Bell - 3
Greg Biffle - 3
Dave Blaney - 3
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 3
Jeff Gordon - 3
Jimmie Johnson - 3
Jason Leffler - 3
Joey Logano - 3
Paul Menard - 3
Regan Smith - 3
Marcos Ambrose - 2
Jeff Burton - 2
Denny Hamlin - 2
Brendan Gaughan - 2
Kasey Kahne - 2
Stephen Leicht - 2
Juan Pablo Montoya - 2
Danica Patrick - 2
David Stremme - 2
Martin Truex, Jr. - 2
Trevor Bayne - 1
Clont Bowyer - 1
Tomy Drissi - 1
Sam Hornish, Jr. - 1
Matt Kenseth - 1
Terry Labonte - 1
Casey Mears - 1
Ryan Newman - 1
Tony Raines - 1
Scott Riggs - 1
Boris Said - 1
Scott Speed - 1
Brian Vickers - 1
Kevin Harvick - 0
Jamie McMurray - 0
Tony Stewart - 0

Drivers With The Most Penalties For Pitting Too Early In 2012

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More often than not, the penalty for entering pit road too early is the result of a driver having to pit in order to fix damage on their race car from an accident on the track.  Kurt Busch found himself in this position 16 times in 2012, more than any other driver.  The majority of these instances came while Busch drove for Phoenix Racing.  Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was the only driver who made the Chase who didn't get the orange designated penalty however he did miss two events during the season.  Greg Biffle had the least amount of penalties of all drivers who started or attempted to start and race the full distance all 36 points events with two.

Driver, Total Times Pitting Before Pit Road Was Open In 2012
Kurt Busch - 16
Casey Mears - 11
David Ragan - 10
Marcos Ambrose - 9
Jeff Burton - 9
David Gilliland - 9
Travis Kvapil - 9
Landon Cassill - 8
Bobby Labonte - 8
Trevor Bayne - 7
Kyle Busch - 7
Carl Edwards - 7
Jeff Gordon - 7
Sam Hornish, Jr. - 7
Joey Logano - 7
Juan Pablo Montoya - 7
Regan Smith - 7
Tony Stewart - 7
A.J. Allmendinger - 6
Clint Bowyer - 6
Jamie McMurray - 6
Kasey Kahne - 5
Matt Kenseth - 5
David Reutimann - 5
Aric Almirola - 4
Jimmie Johnson - 4
Brad Keselowski - 4
Ken Schrader - 4
Martin Truex, Jr. - 4
Denny Hamlin - 3
Kevin Harvick - 3
Terry Labonte - 3
Paul Menard - 3
Joe Nemechek - 3
David Stremme - 3
Greg Biffle - 2
Scott Speed - 2
J.J. Yeley - 2
Kelly Bires - 1
Mike Bliss - 1
Bill Elliott - 1
Timmy Hill - 1
Stephen Leicht - 1
Mark Martin - 1
Michael McDowell - 1
Danica Patrick - 1
Tony Raines - 1
Robert Richardson - 1
Scott Riggs - 1
Elliott Sadler - 1
Boris Said - 1
Reed Sorenson - 1
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. - 1
Michael Waltrip - 1
Josh Wise - 1

Race 36 - Ford Ecoboost 400 Penalties

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No one was more aware of the tough mountain that the 48 team would have to climb to claim the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup championship more than they did.  Jimmie Johnson and his Lowe's Chevrolet crew gave all they could to try to make up the 20 point deficit on Brad Keselowski but a failed rear gear sealed the fate for the team and any chance they had to catch Keselowski's Miller Lite Dodge crew.  Adding insult to injury was a miscue in the pits, a lug nut not being installed which forced Johnson to return to add the missing nut.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#11 Denny Hamlin, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, backup car
#16 Greg Biffle, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, backup car
#20 Joey Logano, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, backup car
#51 Regan Smith, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, backup car
#6 Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., 154, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#36 Dave Blaney, 156, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#5 Kasey Kahne, 202, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#48 Jimmie Johnson, 213, Lug nut(s) not installed, pit

Race 35 - Advocare 500 Penalties

 

 

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Sunday's Advocare 500 at Phoenix International Raceway was a rather ho hum event for the first 200 laps.  Things changed on lap 236 when NASCAR Sprint Cup championship leader, Jimmie Johnson found misfortune in a flat tire and a visit to the turn four wall.  The latter stages of the 500-kilometer race proved to be even more shocking.  Jeff Gordon gained retaliation on Clint Bowyer after contact that resulted in Gordon meeting the wall.  Unfortunately, Joey Logano and Aric Almirola were also involved in the incident.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#31 Jeff Burton, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, backup car
#19 Mike Bliss, 17, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#38 David Gilliland, 52, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#48 Jimmie Johnson, 235, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#34 David Ragan, 274, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#14 Tony Stewart, 281, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#22 Sam Hornish, Jr., 300, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#24 Jeff Gordon, 310, Safety violation, pit, below minimum speed
#20 Joey Logano, 314, Safety violation, pit, sheet metal loose

Race 34 - AAA Texas 500 Penalties

 

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Landon Cassill's BK Racing crew did something that no other team had done previously during the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.  Cassill's Burger King Toyota was forced to start at the tail of the field three times in Sunday's AAA Texas 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway.  Cassill finished the race 26th, two laps off the lead lap after starting the race in 41st position.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#83 Landon Cassill, 110, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, Tail of Field
#83 Landon Cassill, 113, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, Tail of Field
#38 David Gilliland, 119, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#47 Bobby Labonte, 119, Pitting before pit road is open, Garage
#93 Travis Kvapil, 119, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#13 Casey Mears, 119, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#42 Juan Pablo Montoya, 119, Pitting before pit road is open, Garage
#34 David Ragan, 120, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#83 Landon Cassill, 277, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, Tail of Field
#9 Marcos Ambrose, 310, Pitting before pit road is open, Garage
#5 Kasey Mears, 321, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field

Race 33 - Tums Fast Relief 500 Penalties

 

 

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Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway proved to be a big player in the Chase For The 2012 Sprint Cup for Denny Hamlin.  Going into the race, Hamlin was one of the favorites to win another prized Grandfather Clock in the final short track race of the year.  Unfortunately, things got off to a rough start during the first pit stop under caution when Hamlin was caught speeding entering the pits.  Hamlin was able to recover and bring the FedEx Express Toyota back to the top 10 until a stop on lap 200 when he was caught speeding in the pits once again.  The day got worse later on when the 11 car developed electrical issues which eventually got so bad that Hamlin's car quit on the track on lap 393 bringing out a caution flag.  The 11 crew made repairs to get their driver back on the track with Hamlin finishing 33rd, 34 laps down to the leaders.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#30 David Stremme, 45, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#30 David Stremme, 45, Outside half of the pit box tire violation/Team member not in contact with the outside tires, Tail of Field
#11 Denny Hamlin, 47, Speed-Entering pits, Tail of Field
#34 David Ragan, 99, Commitment Line Violation, Tail of Field
#38 David Gilliland, 99, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#20 Joey Logano, 129, Speed-Exiting pits, Tail of Field
#11 Denny Hamlin, 200, Speed-Entering pits, Tail of Field
#93 Travis Kvapil, 200, Car pitting out of the assigned pit box, Held 1 lap
#9 Marcos Ambrose, 214, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#38 David Gilliland, 231, Speed-Exiting pits, Tail of Field
#56 Martin Truex, Jr., 234, Passing on a start or restart, Pass Thru
#31 Jeff Burton, 345, Lug nut(s) not installed, Must Come In
#93 Travis Kvapil, 440, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field

Race 32 - Hollywood Casino 400 Penalties

 

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Things looked dire for Jimmie Johnson and his Lowe's Home Improvement Chevrolet team on lap 137 when the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion lost control of his car off turn four and hit the wall.  Fortunately for the 48 team, the damage suffered in the incident was not extensive and the crew was able to make repairs to the car and keep it on track on the lead lap.  The hard work of the crew prevented their driver from falling further behind points leader, Brad Keselowski in the standings as Johnson was able to rally to a ninth place finish in the Hollywood Casino 400 at the newly reconfigured Kansas Speedway.  Thanks to leading 44 laps to Keselowski's 0, Johnson was able to maintain the seven point gap in the standings.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#10 David Reutimann, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#31 Jeff Burton, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#37 J.J. Yeley, 13, Speed-Exiting pits, pass thru, garage
#13 Casey Mears, 31, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#79 Kelly Bires, 32, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#14 Tony Stewart, 73, Removing equipment from assigned pit area, tail end
#16 Greg Biffle, 73, Speed-Exiting pits, tail end
#31 Jeff Burton, 83, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#43 Aric Almirola, 122, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#47 Bobby Labonte, 124, Speed-Entering pits, tail end
#48 Jimmie Johnson, 135, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#43 Aric Almirola, 138, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, tail end
#47 Bobby Labonte, 142, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#10 David Reutimann, 155, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#83 Landon Cassill, 156, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#14 Tony Stewart, 165, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#9 Marcos Ambrose, 169, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#16 Greg Biffle, 176, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#21 Trevor Bayne, 176, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#18 Kyle Busch, 182, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#16 Greg Biffle, 182, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#39 Ryan Newman, 183, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#22 Sam Hornish, Jr., 183, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#34 David Ragan, 183, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#78 Kurt Busch, 184, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, tail end
#34 David Ragan, 186, Safety violation, pit, missing hood pins
#34 David Ragan, 215, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#22 Sam Hornish, Jr., Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#16 Greg Biffle, 237, Speed-Entering pits, tail end

Race 31 - Bank Of America 500 Penalties

 

 

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Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank Of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway proved to be a penalty-laden affair.  Prior to the drop of the green flag, six drivers had to start at the rear of the 43-car starting field due to engine or transmission changes.  The 334-lap event proved to be a long night for Paul Menard and the Menard's/Pittsburgh Paints Chevrolet team.  After a lap 37 spin in turn four, Menard's crew was penalized for two infractions, one for going over the wall too soon and another for too many crew members over the wall.  Later in the race, the Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing driver was caught speeding entering the pits on lap 215 resulting in a pass thru penalty.  Menard ended the race a disappointing 27th, six laps off the lead lap.

--Please note that pit crew penalties are now designated in green for better clarity to viewers.--

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#31 Jeff Burton, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#39 Ryan Newman, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#42 Juan Pablo Montoya, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#91 Reed Sorenson, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#38 David Gilliland, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, transmission change
#93 Travis Kvapil, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, transmission change
#17 Matt Kenseth, 12, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#34 David Ragan, 16, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#14 Tony Stewart, 16, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#34 David Ragan, 16, Speed-Entering pits, tail end
#31 Jeff Burton, 16, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#27 Paul Menard, 36, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#27 Paul Menard, 36, Crew member(s) over the wall too soon, tail end
#27 Paul Menard, 36, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, tail end
#31 Jeff Burton, 37, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#34 David Ragan, 41, Disobeying a NASCAR request, 1 lap, wave around car did not receive green flag on race track
#31 Jeff Burton, 134, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#38 David Gilliland, 169, Speed-Exiting pits, tail end
#27 Paul Menard, 215, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#24 Jeff Gordon, 219, Speed-Exiting pits, pass thru
#13 Casey Mears, 224, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#51 A.J. Allmendinger, 265, Outside half of the pit box tire violation/Team member not in contact with the outside tires, pass thru
#10 David Reutimann, 323, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru

Race 30 - Good Sam Road Side Assistance 500 Penalties

 

 

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Dale Earnhardt, Jr. looked to be one of the favorites in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 at Talladega.  Earnhardt took the Diet Mountain Dew/National Guard Chevrolet to the lead early in the 188-lap event, leading 18 circuits.  However an speeding error by the driver exiting the pits after a green flag stop ended up taking Earnhardt off the lead lap.  The 88 car was able to regain its lap in the latter stages and looked poised for a top 10 finish until getting caught up in the big wreck on the final lap of the race.  Earnhardt was able to finish the race with his battered car in 20th position.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#36 Dave Blaney, Pre-Race to the rear, Tail of Field, Adjustments outside Impound
#99 Carl Edwards, 17, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#18 Kyle Busch, 59, Speed-Entering pits, Pass Thru
#21 Trevor Bayne, 59, Speed-Entering pits, Pass Thru
#88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 61, Speed-Exiting pits, Pass Thru
#5 Kasey Kahne, 99, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#78 Regan Smith, 100, Speed-Exiting pits, Tail of Field
#47 Bobby Labonte, 138, Speed-Exiting pits, Tail of Field
#1 Jamie McMurray, 184, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field

Race 29 - AAA 400 Penalties

 

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Kasey Kahne looked to have a fast car in Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover but had to overcome adversity.  The first problem came when the 5 car was caught a lap down due to an untimely caution.  The Farmer's Insurance team was able to regain their lap but hopes for a top 10 finish went down the drain late in the going with the crew made a costly error in the pits by not installing all five lug nuts.  Serving the penalty cost Kahne a lap and several positions and instead of a top 10 run, the 5 car finished 15th, three laps down to race winner, Brad Keselowski.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#38 David Gilliland, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end transmission change
#98 Michael McDowell, 52, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#32 T.J. Bell, 61, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#13 Casey Mears, 140, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#38 David Gilliland, 303, Speed-Exiting pits, pass thru
#17 Matt Kenseth. 309, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#5 Kasey Kahne, 362, Lug nut(s) not installed, pit

Race 28 - Sylvania 300 Penalties

 

  

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It was a quiet day in the pits during Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Only one driver/team was penalized the race, that being Stephen Leicht's team for going over the wall too soon during a lap 43 stop under caution. The only other two penalties for the day were for pre-race changes by the 22 and 55 teams. Sam Hornish, Jr. had to start at the rear of the field due to his not qualifying the Shell/Pennzoil Dodge while Brian Vickers had to give up a top 10 starting position for a pre-race engine change.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#22 Sam Hornish, Jr., Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, driver change
#55 Brian Vickers, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#33 Stephen Leicht, 43, Crew member(s) over the wall too soon, tail end

Race 27 - Geico 400 Penalties

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Coming off an impressive run at Richmond where he slid his way into NASCAR's Chase For The Sprint Cup, Jeff Gordon looked to follow it up with a good day at Chicagoland Speedway in the Geico 400. Gordon was running well in his DuPont Chevrolet until a stuck throttle forced him into the wall, effectively knocking him out of the race and severely hurting his chance at the 2012 Cup

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#22 Sam Hornish, Jr., 41, Speed-Exiting pits, pass thru
#93 Travis Kvapil, 45, Removing equipment from assigned pit area, stop and go
#32 T.J. Bell, 46, Speed-Exiting pits, pass thru
#93 Travis Kvapil, 67, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#13 Casey Mears, 150, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#9 Marcos Ambrose, 150, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#24 Jeff Gordon, 188, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#99 Carl Edwards, 189, Speed-Entering pits, tail end

Race 26 - Federated Auto Parts 400 Penalties

Photo By Todd Warshaw/AP

Saturday Night's rain-marred Federated Auto Parts 400 proved to be a quiet night penalty wise for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with only three penalties handed out. Clint Bowyer was one of the drivers who was penalized for pitting before the pits were open due to a cut tire suffered from contact from Juan Pablo Montoya. The 5-Hour Energy team utilized the misfortune to their advantage as they stayed out on old tires and took the victory, their second of 2012.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#34 David Ragan, 53, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#39 Ryan Newman, 232, Outside half of the pit box tire violation/Team member not in contact with the outside tires, pass thru
#15 Clint Bowyer, 235, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

Race 25 - Advocare 500 Penalties

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Sunday Night's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Advocare 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway started off promising for Aric Almirola. Hopes for the 43 team had to be high going into the race as the Florida driver's Ford was emblazoned with the same sponsor as the event. Unfortunately, things did not go so well for the Richard Petty Motorsports team. After starting 13th, Almirola's car began smoking on lap 39 forcing the driver off the track for several laps. The Advocare team was able to make repairs and salvage points but their driver ended up being caught by NASCAR for speeding entering the pits twice, first during a green flag stop then another while trying to serve the initial penalty. Almirola finished 32nd, 30 laps off the lead lap.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#15 Clint Bowyer, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, engine change
#49 Jason Leffler, 68, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#49 Jason Leffler, 70, Speed-Entering pits, stop and go
#49 Jason Leffler, 72, Speed-Entering pits, 1 lap
#42 Juan Pablo Montoya, 82, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#43 Aric Almirola, 217, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#43 Aric Almirola, 221, Speed-Entering pits, stop and go
#99 Carl Edwards, 265, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#95 Scott Speed, 265, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#1 Jamie McMurray, 270, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#48 Jimmie Johnson, 270, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#22 Sam Hornish, Jr., 271, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#1 Jamie McMurray, 321, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end

Race 24 - Irwin Tools Night Race At Bristol Penalties

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Dale Earnhardt, Jr. looked to be competitive in Saturday Night's Irwin Tools Night Race At Bristol as the Kannapolis, North Carolina native led 13 laps near the 200 lap portion of the 500 lap race. This was after a lap 84 penalty handed down by NASCAR to Earnhardt for speeding exiting the pits. Unfortunately crew chief, Steve Letarte made the mistake of calling Earnhardt to the pits too early on a lap 347 stop which forced the Diet Mountain Dew car to restart at the rear of the field. Earnhardt finished the race in 12th position.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr., 84, Speed-Exiting pits, tail end
#18 Kyle Busch, 84, Speed-Entering pits, tail end
#39 Ryan Newman, 84, Removing equipment from assigned pit area, stop and go/tail end
#34 David Ragan, 122, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#22 Sam Hornish, Jr., 122, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#27 Paul Menard, 149, Speed-Exiting pits, tail end
#36 Dave Blaney, 192, Speed-Entering pits, tail end
#2 Brad Keselowski, 272, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#51 Kurt Busch, 272, Speed-Entering pits, tail end
#34 David Ragan, 273, Speed-Exiting pits, tail end
#78 Regan Smith, 322, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#51 Kurt Busch, 322, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end, garage
#36 Dave Blaney, 323, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#17 Matt Kenseth, 333, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#36 Dave Blaney, 333, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#51 Kurt Busch, 334, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr., 347, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#2 Brad Keselowski, 347, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#51 Kurt Busch, 372, Crew member(s) over the wall too soon, pass thru
#13 Casey Mears, 413, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#13 Casey Mears, 413, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, tail end
#13 Casey Mears, 416, Lug nut(s) not installed, pit
#36 Dave Blaney, 425, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, tail end
#13 Casey Mears, 425, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, tail end
#51 Kurt Busch, 435, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#36 Dave Blaney, 489, Safety violation, pit

Race 23 - Pure Michigan 400 Penalties

Photo By Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images

Though he and his team have been strong throughout the entire 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and his National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew Chevy team found themselves on shaky ground following final practice Saturday. Earnhardt spun and hit the turn two wall late in the session forcing his Hendrick Motorsports team to a backup car for Sunday's Pure Michigan 400. Unfortunately, Earnhardt was unable to return to the track to practice and had to start Sunday's race cold turkey. Earnhardt ran a solid race thanks in part to the strategy of his crew chief, Steve Letarte. Earnhardt came from the rear of the field to lead twice for 25 laps and score a fourth place finish in the 400-mile event.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#48 Jimmie Johnson, Pre-Race to the rear, Tail of Field, Engine
#22 Sam Hornish, Jr., Pre-Race to the rear, Tail of Field, Driver Change
#88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Pre-Race to the rear, Tail of Field, Back Up
#43 Aric Almirola, Pre-Race to the rear, Tail of Field, Back Up
#55 Mark Martin, 65, Pitting before pit road is open, Garage
#47 Bobby Labonte, 66, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#14 Tony Stewart, 68, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#51 Kurt Busch, 68, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#42 Juan Pablo Montoya, 71, Too many crew member(s) in contact with pit service area, Tail of Field
#78 Regan Smith, 76, Pitting before pit road is open, Garage
#47 Bobby Labonte, 127, Speed-Exiting pits, Pass Thru
#42 Juan Pablo Montoya, 144, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#21 Trevor Bayne, 181, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#38 David Gilliland, 181, Pitting before pit road is open, Tail of Field
#93 Travis Kvapil, 182, Removing equipment from assigned pit area, Tail of Field

Race 22 - Finger Lakes 355 At The Glen Penalties

Photo By Jerry Markland/Getty Images North America

2000 NASCAR Winston Cup champion, Bobby Labonte found himself at the center of controversy following Sunday's Sprint Cup Finger Lakes 355 At The Glen. Labonte's Toyota began leaking fluid all around the historic 2.45-mile road course in the final handful of laps in the race. NASCAR black flagged Labonte due to his car billowing smoke on the track as well as for not being up to the minimum speed but unfortunately there was enough fluid on the track to affect the finish of the race. Kyle Busch's substantial lead vanished in the final two laps thanks to the fluid on the track and on the final lap he and second place, Brad Keselowski came together entering the esses. Keselowski then had to hold off Marcos Ambrose but failed to do so as both drivers fought each other and the fluid on the track in the final few corners with Ambrose coming out on top.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#93 Travis Kvapil, Pre-Race to the rear, tail end, backup car
#98 Michael McDowell, 16, Speed-Exiting pits, pass thru
#33 Stephen Leicht, 23, Speed-Exiting pits, pass thru
#1 Jamie McMurray, 25, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#51 Kurt Busch, 26, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#20 Joey Logano, 26, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#14 Tony Stewart, 27, Removing equipment from assigned pit area, stop and go/tail end
#5 Kasey Kahne, 47, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#31 Jeff Burton, 52, Safety violation, pit, below minimum speed
#33 Stephen Leicht, 53, Removing equipment from assigned pit area, stop and go
#51 Kurt Busch, 64, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#31 Jeff Burton, 65, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#20 Joey Logano, 72, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#47 Bobby Labonte, 89, Safety violation, pit, smoke/below minimum speed

Race 21 - Pennsylvania 400 Penalties

Photo By: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images North America

Sunday's Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway was another tough day for Kyle Busch and his M&M's Toyota team. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver started the race in 20th and didn't even make it to the 20th lap due to a failed rear brake rotor that sent him into the turn one wall ending his chances of getting a good finish. After the 18 crew made repairs to bring the car back on track, Busch was caught speeding entering the pits by NASCAR forcing him to serve a pass thru penalty. Busch was running in 33rd place when the rains came ending the race before its scheduled finish.

Number/Driver, Lap, Infraction, Penalty
#18 Kyle Busch, 19, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#18 Kyle Busch, 69, Speed-Entering pits, pass thru
#31 Jeff Burton, 91, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end
#17 Matt Kenseth, 91, Pitting before pit road is open, tail end