Cody Ware
Cody Ware. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Rick Ware Racing Penalized, Three Crew Members Suspended

Three members of Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 team have been suspended four races after Cody Ware lost ballast during NASCAR Cup Series practice at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. 

Crew chief Billy Plourde, car chief Jamie Edwards and team engineer Steven Gray won’t be eligible to return until after the Sept. 17 Cup Series event at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. 

Ballast that separates from the vehicles poses a violation of Sections 14.11.2.1.A&B of the NASCAR Rule Book and incurs the penalties listed in Section 10.5.2.6.E regarding lost ballast.

Ware was not able to complete a qualifying lap due to the incident, and finished 34th in Sunday’s Go Bowling At The Glen. 

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, A.J. Allmendinger’s No. 16 Chevrolet was found with one lug nut not safely secured.

Crew chief Bruce Schlicker was levied a $5,000 fine.