Ganassi cops big fine, suspension for NASCAR COVID breach

Chip Ganassi has been fined USD 30,000 and suspended for one race for a breach of NASCAR’s COVID-19 protocols at the Daytona road course event.

Ganassi was found to have violated Section 12.8.1.b of the NASCAR Rule Book by “bringing into the competition area a non-essential individual that was restricted from the footprint,” championship officials have advised.

Chip Ganassi Racing fields two cars in the Cup Series, namely the #1 Chevrolet of Kurt Busch and the #42 entry of Ross Chastain, both of which are still allowed to contest this Sunday’s race at Homestead-Miami.

For reference, the USD 30,000/AUD 37,900 (approximately) fine is three times those which were issued to two crew chiefs for lug nut violations at Daytona.

Ganassi also fields four Honda-powered entries in the IndyCar Series, including those of six-time champion Scott Dixon and former Formula 1 driver Marcus Ericsson.

The squad this year also includes Alex Palou, Jimmie Johnson, and Tony Kanaan, the latter two of whom take the #48 entry at road/street tracks and ovals respectively.

Johnson also had a spell on the sidelines from NASCAR last year, his final season in the category, after testing positive for COVID-19.