Busch Series Crew Chief Shear Suspended, Fined

Crew Chief Pickens Fined for Violations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 18, 2005) – NASCAR announced Tuesday that Joe Shear Jr., crew chief for the No. 43 Dodge driven by Aaron Fike in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been suspended and fined for rule violations last week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Additionally, Brad Pickens, crew chief for the No. 57 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch, has been fined for rule violations also discovered at the track.

Because he has been on probation since last April 16, Shear will be suspended from any NASCAR events until Oct. 26, including the next NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday at Memphis, for violation of sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (unapproved hubs, offset) of the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. Shear’s probation will continue until Dec. 31. He was also fined $1,000 for the infraction, which was found during opening day inspection on Oct. 13

During pre-qualifying inspection on Oct. 14, Pickens was in violation of 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (unapproved fuel cell installation), which resulted in a $1,000 fine. He was penalized an additional $1,000 for violating 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (unapproved usage of two tires) during the race, also on Oct. 14.