Craven’s crew chief suspended

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Mike Beam, crew chief for Ricky Craven, was fined $5,000 and suspended for two races by NASCAR on Wednesday for not having dated seat belts in Craven’s Ford Taurus.

The dates on the belts were not visible in a pre-race inspection last Sunday at California Speedway. NASCAR requires the dates be seen to ensure the belts are not too old.

Beam, suspended until May 22, also was fined $500 for not having the roof camera shell within the proper dimension at the Talladega 500 two weeks ago.

Joe Garone, crew chief for Andy Houston, received the same penalty for a road camera shell violation at Talladega.

Also, Robin Pemberton, crew chief for Rusty Wallace, was fined $500 for an illegal fuel cell rack last weekend at California. Wallace won the race, and his victory will stand despite the penalty.

That same penalty was handed down to three crew chiefs for the same violation at Talladega: Michael McSwaim, crew chief for Ricky Rudd; Tony Eury Sr., crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr.; and Scott Eggleston, crew chief for Michael Waltrip.

Paul Andrews, crew chief for Steve Park, was fined $500 for lightened lug nuts at Talladega.