Waltrip crew chief suspended

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- David Hyder, the crew chief for Nextel Cup driver Michael Waltrip, was suspended Wednesday for rules violations during qualifying for Sunday's Daytona 500.

The team's director of competition, Bobby Kennedy, also was ejected from this week's season-opening race.

Kennedy was fined $100,000, and Waltrip was fined 100 driver points.

Waltrip must drive his back-up Camry during Thursday's Gatorade Duel qualifying.

It was the second straight day cup officials took major action for NASCAR violations.

The auto racing governing body said the actions were a result of violations of rules 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules); and 20-15.2C (gasoline must not be blended with alcohols, ethers or other oxygenates).

Reports have also said an unspecified substance was found in the intake manifold of Waltrip's car.

Team owner Elizabeth Waltrip was penalized 100 owner championship points.