YES, they broke protocol, entered restricted areas without proper ID and lied about it, got fined 10k.....its amazing how SPIN changes a story....
Ruch, who was listed as the hauler driver for Reaume Brothers Racing’s No. 00 truck at Texas, violated sections 12.8.1.b of NASCAR’s Member Conduct Guidelines and 7.7.2.j of the Team Event Roster Guidelines.
Those were the same violations noted by NASCAR when it fined Xfinity Series team owner Anthony Clements $10,000 following the Kentucky race weekend.
Among the potential violations in Section 12.8.1.b is that a member can be fined $5,000-$25,000 for: “Failure to comply with NASCAR’s COVID-19 Event Protocol Guidelines and/or instructions from NASCAR including screenings, social distancing, compartmentalization, and use of required personal protective equipment, etc.”
Section 7.7.2.j says “If a team is not in compliance with the Team Event Roster Rules and guidelines, that team will be subject to a Penalty as outlined in Section 12 Violations and Disciplinary Action.”
Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage says two retired law enforcement officers should be ashamed of their actions following the NASCAR truck race last Saturday.
But one of the former officers said he was trying to support an important symbol of law enforcement and that race officials overreacted.
Randy Sutton, who spent almost 34 years in law enforcement in New Jersey and Las Vegas and is the founder of The Wounded Blue, and another retired officer, Eddie Richardson, reportedly showed badges to gain entrance to a restricted area to take a photograph in front of driver Angela Ruch’s truck backing The Wounded Blue. The organization provides support for injured and disabled officers.
“NASCAR busted them for not having credentials and not going thru screening,” Gossage posted to his Twitter account on Thursday. “Fined Truck Series Racer’s Angela Ruch’s husband $10,000 for sneaking them in. Bad they flashed badges to get in restricted area, worse they’re lying. … I imagine they could be in trouble with the department they represent for misuse of their badge. This is a NASCAR violation, not a criminal activity. Fort Worth Police weren’t involved. These folks should be ashamed.”[/color]
In a telephone interview with the Star-Telegram on Thursday, Sutton refused to say whether he used a badge to gain access to a restricted area amid the coronavirus pandemic, but defended his decision.
“Ashamed? Absolutely not. I’m not ashamed of one damn thing,” said Sutton, who was wounded as an officer and who had multiple strokes on the job.
“This is an important symbol. As the American law enforcement officer is being defaced by political factions and the media and basically being encircled on all sides, someone needs to stand up for them. This was a symbol. That car is a symbol. The last thing I am is ashamed of showing that support.”
Jennifer Kerns, a spokeswoman for The Wounded Blue, said NASCAR and TMS should be ashamed for kicking out two disabled law enforcement officers. She also expressed skepticism about the coronavirus being the reason NASCAR removed the officers.
“They are using coronavirus protocols as a reason to kick those guys out. What this is really about is NASCAR doesn’t want a vehicle on the track that says #BackTheBlue,” Kerns said. “NASCAR is very misguided in having a true understanding of their following in America. There’s an outrage bubbling up among their fans.”
Kerns contended that Sutton and Richardson gained access into the restricted area from a TMS security guard. Gossage said that is true, but the access was granted when the two showed badges that the guard believed allowed them into the area.
Gossage described the whole situation as “asinine” and said the sport is supportive of law enforcement officers.
NASCAR and TMS spent months coming up with plans to ensure the safest environment possible for those on hand for the races, Gossage said.
NASCAR has a strict list of who is granted access along pit road and in the garage area.
“Texas Motor Speedway is fully aware of the situation that occurred July 18 at our facility involving the No. 00 Reaume Brothers Racing team,” the track said in a statement. “Two men gained access to the speedway infield, which was a restricted area due to the COVID-19 protocols. They were not on NASCAR’s restricted credential list, did not go through the mandatory COVID-19 screening processes and were asked to leave the premises.
“Texas Motor Speedway fully supports all law enforcement and first responders.”
Sutton acknowledged they took a risk in entering the restricted area without the proper credentials.
“I just assumed quite honestly that there would be a more compassionate response as opposed to what took place,” Sutton said. “I’m a big boy. I can take my lumps for doing this. In the big scheme of the world, this is not a major transgression.
“We simply wanted to get a photograph that symbolizes supporting law enforcement.”
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