NASCAR announced today that NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chief Todd Berrier has been suspended, fined and placed on probation because of rule violations this past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

Berrier, crew chief of the No. 29 Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick, was suspended from NASCAR competition until Oct. 19, fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. During post-qualifying inspection last Friday, the No. 29 was found to have an unapproved aerodynamic modification and an unapproved fuel cell vent mounting - violations of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components, and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) in the series rule book.

In addition:

• Tony Gibson, crew chief of the No. 15 Chevrolet driven by Michael Waltrip, was fined $10,000. During pre-qualifying inspection last Friday, the No. 15 was found to have an unapproved air directional device and unapproved wheel spacers - violations of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q.
• Tony Eury Jr., crew chief of the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., was fined $2,500. During opening day inspection last Thursday, the No. 8 was found to have unapproved fuel cell foam, violating 12-4-A and 12-4-Q.
• Dustin Smith, crew chief of the No. 89 Dodge driven by Morgan Shepherd, was fined $2,500. During opening-day inspection, the No. 89 also had unapproved fuel cell foam.