Kyle Busch and his no. 18 Nationwide team were penalized by NASCAR for rules violations discovered at this past weekend's race in Texas.  The penalties resulted from an improperly attached weight, discovered on opening-day inspection.

The penalty cost Busch 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points.  Busch's lead is now cut to 247 points, down from the 272 points that he was ahead of Edward's in the Nationwide championship battle prior to the penalty.

Busch's crew chief Jason Ratcliff, was also fined $5,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2009.  Ratcliff was found to have violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); Section 12-4-I (race equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules); and Section 20A-2.3A (improperly attached weight).

Joe Gibbs Racing, owner of the no. 18 Nationwide team, did not escape unscathed.  They too were penalized 25 Nationwide owner points, taking them down the same margin as their driver in the owner points standings over the no. 60 Ford.

Busch will now need to lead by 195 points after the Phoenix race to clinch the championship this weekend.  To guarantee that outcome, Busch will have to finish at least 7th, or 9th with at least one lap led, or 10th and the most laps led.

To clinch at Homestead, Busch needs to average a 30th place finish over the final two races, or a 32nd place finish and a lap led in each of the final two races, or a 33rd place finish and the most laps led in each of the final two races.  If he accomplishes any of those scenarios, he will clinch the championship no matter how any other driver finishes.

In addition to the no. 18 penalties, Brad Parrott, crew chief of the no. 09 Ford driven by John Wes Townley, was also penalized.  He was fined $5,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2009.

Parrott was found to have violated Section 12-1, 9-4-A (crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his driver, car owner and crew members) and Section 12-4-I (unapproved panhard bar adjustment during impound by a team member).

Parrott, however, suffered a far worse penalty than what NASCAR meted out.  RAB Racing announced that Parrott has been released from his crew chief duties, effective immediately.

Car chief Ben Gable will be John Wes Townley's new crew chief for the final two races of the season.  RAB Racing plans to announce their new crew chief for the team at a later date flor the 2010 season.