Paul Menard's crew chief fined $100,000 for illegal modifications

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- NASCAR has fined Paul Menard's crew chief $100,000 for illegal modifications found on the Chevrolet last weekend at Michigan.

Slugger Labbe was also suspended until Oct. 3 in penalties NASCAR announced Wednesday.

Menard's car was taken back to NASCAR's research and development center after Sunday's race. NASCAR said the frame rails had been intentionally modified in an effort to deceive Inspectors.

Menard and car owner Richard Childress were each docked 25 points. Car chief Craig Smokstad and crew member Grant Hutchens were both also suspended until Oct. 3.

Labbe, Smokstad and Hutchens were all placed on probation through the end of the year.

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