NASCAR investigating Richard Childress Racing & Menard for Richmond spin

NASCAR President Mike Helton said Friday morning at Chicagoland Speedway that series officials are investigating Paul Menard’s spin late in the Richmond race that played a role in helping teammate Kevin Harvick win that race.

Helton said he has yet to hear the audio from Menard’s radio chatter (transcript can be found here).

“We’re going to look into it and see if there’s anything,’’ Helton said. “A lot of it is going to be interpretation. Certainly, it’s on us to understand exactly what all we can find as far as facts are concerned.

“It’s on all of our shoulders to get the facts right and if there’s something there, we should find out about it and be sure that we’ve got it right.’’

Helton said that series officials will look at video of the caution itself to determine “if it appears that there … it was done on purpose.’’ He also said series officials will get access to the audio.

Car owner Richard Childress issued a statement Friday denying any wrongdoing by his team at Richmond.

Helton confirmed that Jeff Gordon has talked to him about the role of teammates. Gordon described Menard’s spin as “fishy’’ on Thursday when talking to the media.

Helton said there is nothing specific in the rule book that bars the issue of team orders. However, Helton noted that it could fall under the general rule of Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing).

Asked if there will be a warning given to drivers before Sunday’s race, Helton noted that drivers were given a warning before the Richmond race to let the race unfold naturally.

“We routinely remind the guys to let the race unfold itself,’’ Helton said. “We joke about there not being gentlemen agreements in our sport, but I do feel like there’s a code of ethics among drivers that is alive and well and very strong, particularly in the Sprint Cup garage.

“ I’m not necessarily overwhelmed by the chatter (of team orders) so far. Certainly, we need to get our facts right and find out, what, if anything went on, and be prepared to officiate it. As in the past, we’ve had conversations with drivers and car owners that are involved in the Chase or even before the Chase. I still think the code of ethics among the drivers on the race track is really, really strong.’’

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