From BGNRacing.com

Pattie, Crew Member Busted For Cheating While Teams Admit They Do It Too Posted on 08-26-05 at 8:45 PM by Amanda Brahler BRISTOL, TN. – Reed Sorenson’s crew chief Brian Pattie, along with tire specialist Brandon Stafford, had to leave the Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday for more than just minor rule bending. Just after the two-hour long practice session NASCAR officials caught Stafford putting an unapproved substance on the tires.

All of the tires from the 41 team were then confiscated forcing the Chip Ganassi Racing team to buy four new sets. Some teams down pitroad disagreed with the ruling and said that if the team cheated and got their tires taken, tough luck – don’t let them race.

The Busch Series competition director Joe Balash on the other hand, stressed that as long as the altered tires were in the sanctioning body’s hands, the team had every right to purchase new Goodyears.

In addition to the extra tire bill Sorenson was blocked from making a qualifying attempt. No big loss since he would have taken the green flag from the rear anyway. Prior to NASCAR’s ruling on Pattie and Stafford, Sorenson wrecked in practice forcing the use of a backup car.

Although the team did not go on the record with an official comment, one member from the Ganassi organization stressed that despite the events of the day, the team believes and follows NASCAR’s competition rules.

Sorenson entered Bristol third in the point standings and if he maintains the position after the race, he may fall back to fourth if points are docked as part of the penalty.

Busch Series communications spokesperson Tracey Judd said further penalties for the veteran crew chief would be announced next week after NASCAR has a chance to fully review the situation.

The penalty is amusing to competitors but according to many, not a new occurance. A former tire specialist who asked not to be named said "I used to do it all the time, rub brake cleaner on my hands and do the tires."

In addition, an active tire specialist laughed off the news of the day and said "It happens all the time."