NASCAR creates new "deterrence' penalty system

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (AP) NASCAR has revamped its penalty system to define specific offenses with pre-determined penalties.

The new "Deterrence System" classifies six different levels of penalties, with fines and point deductions increasing as the infractions become more severe.  The new system will be applied only to technical infractions; NASCAR will still handle behavioral offenses individually.

The structure also allows the sanctioning body to hit repeat offenders with a multiplier that could increase penalties by 50 percent.  NASCAR's previous penalty system did not tie pre-determined sanctions to specific offenses.

NASCAR has also removed chief appellate officer John Middlebrook. The retired General Motors executive has been replaced by Bryan Moss, president emeritus of Gulfstream Aerospace.

WSOC