Race Weekend Central

Fines, But No Suspensions for John Wes Townley, Spencer Gallagher

Frontstretch’s Truck Series content is presented by American Trucks

On Wednesday, NASCAR announced only monetary fines and probation for John Wes Townley and Spencer Gallagher following their scuffle in the Camping World Truck Series race at Gateway last Saturday night.

Townley was fined $15,000 and Gallagher $12,500 for their fight in turns 1 and 2.

The skirmish occurred after the two crashed heading into the corner, their second tangle of the night.

Both were also placed on probation through the end of the year.

The news came hours after Townley’s No. 05 Chevrolet was withdrawn from this weekend’s XFINITY Series race at Daytona.

Gallagher released a statement earlier in the week following the wreck.  “First, I would like to apologize to John Wes Townley,” he wrote. “Additionally, to his team and fans, I am sorry. The incident earlier in the race was not intentional and certainly was not meant to cause bigger problems later in the event. My crew, who have worked so hard to get me to where I am this season, did not deserve to have their night ended in that way. My teammates and all of the guys back at the shop deserve more respect than was shown Saturday night.

“I would also like to apologize to my team owner, who wholeheartedly believes in this organization and expects all of us to perform at our best at all times, no matter the situation. And finally, I would like to extend a sincere apology to the NASCAR community – representatives and fans. I love this sport just as much as all of you and I am ashamed that I was part of an incident that has allowed so many to view what we do in a negative light.”

Gallagher is still entered in this weekend’s XFINITY race.

Townley has not made a public statement since the incident.

Additionally, in Sprint Cup, the No. 20 of Matt Kenseth was warned for failing pre-qualifying tech and the No. 88 of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was also warned for failing pre-qualifying tech.

About the author

Sean returns as a ringer in 2017, contributing once a month because he (gasp!) is living it up in the big city without internet. While he's not consuming race news on the Twitter app and reddit he's writing a ton of short stories and paying the bills by working in marketing.

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Tom B

These PC apologies are pathetic. NASCAR should of just put them on probation as a token punishment. I hope JWT doesn’t ever make a statement.
Theoretical question: If someone attacks you, what are you allowed to do so NASCAR doesn’t fine or penalize you? What are the rules for the victim? 12-15K fine is a lot of money, period for no harm done. But when someone wrecks your 100K car on purpose there is no fine or penalty. Go figure!!

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