Story by: Langley Austin ~ [email protected]
Copper Hill, VA(October 30, 2012) — Ronnie Bassett, Jr. has been fined $300 and indefinitely suspended by NASCAR from any sanctioned events following a long disobediance of the black flag at Martinsville Speedway in the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300.
Bassett was black flagged in the late stages of the Virginia is for Racing Lovers 300 at Martinsville Speedway for not lining up in the correct spot for a restart. From there, there seemed to be some sort of miscommunication between Bassett, his crew chief and his spotter. Bassett was directed by NASCAR officials first through his spotter to adhere to the black flag.
Those requests went ignored, according to Bassett’s team, due to the spotter’s battery dying and Bassett not getting the message. From there, NASCAR official, Shayne Laws met with Bassett’s crew chief, Chris Lawson to attempt to deliver the message. You can view that conversation in its entirety on RACE22.com through the video at this link … http://youtu.be/ZMo8fCZ6t3E
From there under the red flag for a blown engine late in the race, Bassett brought his car down pit road. In an interview exclusively with RACE22.com, Lawson tried to explain the situation, which you can also view on the video link above.
Bassett following the race was also the blind draw for post-race inspection, but passed after an inspection of his carburetor according to a member of the Bassett Racing team. Bassett, over a week later was found in violation of Section 12-1 – Actions detrimental to stock car racing, 12-4A – Failure to obey multiple directives from NASCAR officials and 12-4N – Failure to obey the black flag.
This suspension should it stand, pending appeal by Bassett, could affect his 2013 racing plans. Bassett was expected to compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East next season.
Of course, RACE22.com will have more on this infraction, the penalty and any appeal in the coming days. Stay tuned for the latest on this situation.
