HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2008) – The following are statements from Jason Ratcliff and Dave Rogers, crew chiefs for the Nos. 18 and 20 NASCAR Nationwide Series teams of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), respectively, following today’s announcement by NASCAR where the sanctioning body penalized JGR for infractions that took place by the team during technical inspection after last Saturday’s Nationwide Series race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

Jason Ratcliff, No. 18 Nationwide Series Crew Chief:

“First and foremost, I would like to apologize to the employees and partners of Joe Gibbs Racing.  Because of poor decision making, I have failed you as the leader of this team and I am solely responsible for this situation.  Secondly, I apologize to the men and women of NASCAR for my dishonesty and interference during a testing event.  Going forward, I will work hard to regain the trust and respect that I once had with the fans, NASCAR and everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, including our drivers, who had no knowledge or involvement in this transgression.”

Dave Rogers, No. 20 Nationwide Series Crew Chief:

“I apologize with great remorse for the actions that I took after the Michigan race last Saturday afternoon.  My apology is extended to NASCAR, the NASCAR officials, Joe and J.D. Gibbs, our drivers, all of JGR’s sponsors, and especially to all of the JGR family members that I have misrepresented.   Joe and J.D. Gibbs trust me to lead this race team with honesty and integrity.  I have failed them and feel great remorse for doing so.  I accept the penalties imposed by NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing and make no excuses.”

CREDIT: TEAM RELEASE