Many race tracks and touring series across the country publish reports after races of drivers or crew members that break the rules and the penalties they incur, however, INEX isn’t one as the sanctioning body confirmed with Legends Nation they will not publish them in 2024.
Series like NASCAR and the CARS Tour publish penalty reports, which names the individual or team that breaks a rule, the itself they broke, and the resulting penalty. These reports are either published publicly by the series, or given to news media, who then disseminate the report.
At one time, INEX did report violations, publishing them on their website. In the early 2010s, the reports were very vague, stating a penalty had taken place at a track with the date, but not what it was or who violated the rule. Later, they got more detailed in their “Penalty Box” on their website, including publishing the letter to the individual on their penalty, however, blacking out who received it. That, however, concluded in 2017 and the section hasn’t been updated since.
While the 2024 rulebook does state INEX does have the right to publish notice of imposed penalties, they currently do not have plans to.
“The current INEX policy is not to post penalties imposed by the sanctioning body to the public on our website or on social media,” stated Josh Roller, Communications Manager at INEX. “INEX does not intend to publish any penalties, suspensions, or fines including the participants names in 2024.”
As far as current suspensions, INEX will not release that information as well.
“The current policy of INEX is not to disclose active penalties, suspension, or fines imposed on our competitors.”
Despite INEX currently keeping tight-lipped on penalties issued, they have remained available and open to media inquiries about them, or anything else.
“Any member of the media is always welcome to reach out to INEX with a question or for a comment regarding any topic,” explained Roller. “This includes penalties, suspensions or fines. It is at the discretion of INEX officials whether or not to disclose any information regarding to current or active penalties, suspensions, or fines. If INEX found an infraction that justified “public notice” (for the infraction, not the competitor), an official posting to the website and social media would be published as a notification or rule update.”
In the past, many in the Nation feel INEX should post penalties to deter people from breaking the rules. Others feel publishing the names, especially minors in the series, can do career harm due to many in Bandoleros and Legends race to move up in the sport.
What are your thoughts? Should INEX disclose penalties or suspensions? Discuss on the Legends Nation Facebook page by clicking here.