By Sharon Burton
for JeffBurtonWorld.com

NASCAR is consistently making changes.  Some may say that is the only thing consistent about NASCAR.  However, have they made enough changes to take into consideration their most recent changes?  Changes breed more changes and for NASCAR changes are constantly evolving.  In some cases, however, change requires a different perspective to understand the implications.  Regarding penalties, NASCAR needs to change their perspective to gain credibility.  As fans, we want  NASCAR to be credible!

Case in point...The new Chase format brings a different points system for the beginning of the Chase races.  Changes for 2007 include the top 12 drivers at the close of 26 races into the season, will now become contenders for the Championship.  Those 12 drivers will start with 5,000 points for the last 10 races of the season.  Those with wins will receive an additional 10 points for every win during the regular season.

At the close of 15 races into the season...we know, and thought NASCAR would notice, that Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, each have 4 wins so far.  Therefore, these two drivers will begin the Chase for the Championship in first and second place.  All is well in the world of NASCAR until this past week when NASCAR officials found rules violations with the cars of the 24 and 48 teams.

The frustration for fans and perhaps competitors as well, is both Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, whose teams were levied "severe" penalties this week for NASCAR rules violations, will lose nothing toward their Chase for the Championship contention.  These so-called "severe" penalties will NOT change the fact, that Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will still begin the Chase for the Championship in first and second place.  What did NASCAR penalties to the Hendricks teams accomplish?  It appears these "severe" penalties will accomplish nothing as far as punishment to either team!

It is even more amazing to hear members of the Hendricks organization state they feel the penalties are too severe and they are considering their options to appeal the penalties!  Can you believe it?  They intentionally made adjustments to create more down force giving them a competitive advantage....in spite of NASCAR's fore warning there is no gray area with the Car of Tomorrow. 

Even more amazing is that it appears NASCAR management has overlooked this very crucial perspective in their current penalty system....Or have they?  If NASCAR really wants us, and their competing teams to believe their stance on the "Gray Area" for the Car of Tomorrow....they need to change their perspective when levying penalties.

NASCAR could begin their change of perspective by reviewing the definition of "Penalty".  This definition is available online at the Yahoo.com Dictionary.

     pen-al-ty NOUN: pl. pen-al-ties

      1.  A punishment established by law or authority for a crime or offense

      2.  Something, especially a sum of money required as a forfeit for an offense

      3.  The disadvantage or painful consequences resulting from an action or condition

      4.  Sports

          a.  A punishment, handicap or loss of advantage imposed on a team or competitor for infraction of a rule

          b.  An infraction of a rule; a foul

Although NASCAR did impose monetary fines and a punishment, neither the fines nor the punishment result in a loss of advantage to either Hendricks team.  Therefore, there is no real punishment, handicap or painful consequences resulting from their infraction of the rules as stated by the ruling authorities of NASCAR.  Just as it was before the infraction of the rules, the Hendricks teams of Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will start their Chase for the Championship in first and second place.  How is that a painful consequence for violating NASCAR rules?

Furthermore, we will most likely get another Hendricks organization Championship in 2007.  All indications point in that direction, whether they violate the stated rules or not.  How many more times will we hear Chad Knaus say.."we have learned our lesson"?  In spite of the fact, that the Hendricks organization has more penalties than any other organiztion in NASCAR and Chad Knaus is the most penalized crew chief in the garage; for them it appears to be a badge of courage to push the envelope further and further.  Steve Letarte appears to be an able student and following along in the path of taking the risk.  Both Knaus and Letarte certainly took the calculated risk that the consequences would have no effect on their bid for the Championship....and they were right.  

If we know that now, what is the incentive for the competing teams and fans?  At this point, NASCAR's plan to even the field to be more competitive does not appear to be very effective; especially when you consider NASCAR's 2007 Champion appears to be already determined by NASCAR management.  NASCAR...we beg you to prove this perspective is flawed!  Give us a reason to believe what you say.

NASCAR...if you want credibility...You need to change your penalty perspective!  Both NASCAR and the Hendricks organization take note.  As fans, we are not buying the PR spin on this one!  However, we do want credibility within NASCAR.  As they say, your actions do and will speak louder than your words. 

Note: The views expressed are solely those of the author and does not reflect the opinions of JeffBurtonWorld.com