Waltrip crew chief Hyder maintains innocence over cheating scandal
Quote selected text Published February 22nd, 2007 in NASCAR News
Intake-gate gets more complex by the day.
Michael Waltrip Racing vice president Ty Norris told ESPN.com Thursday that the company offered crew chief David Hyder an opportunity to come clean about the illegal additive found in the fuel system of Waltrip’s Toyota following qualifying for the Daytona 500.
Hyder didn’t do it.
In fact, he claims he can’t.
Norris said Hyder maintained his innocence — even with the company promise of no termination in exchange for information.
Norris said Hyder continues to say he has neither information nor answers as to what the substance is, how it was introduced into the fuel system or, ultimately, what it does.
The crew chief was unavailable for comment Thursday.
Hyder had been given an indefinite leave of absence with pay from Michael Waltrip Racing on top of his suspension by NASCAR.
Norris said earlier this week that Hyder will not be allowed at the shop until it is determined if he had anything to do with the foreign substance that was found in Waltrip’s engine during pre-qualifying inspection for last Sunday’s 500.
NASCAR suspended Hyder and competition director Bobby Kennedy indefinitely. Hyder also was fined $100,000 and Waltrip was penalized 100 championship points.
A source close to the situation told ESPN.com last week that Hyder eventually will be fired.
- Suspended Hyder parts ways with Waltrip Racing
- Suspended MWR crew chief Hyder back at work, team wants car back
- Hyder & Kennedy suspensions to be lifted
- NASCAR to lift suspension on former MWR crew chief Hyder
- Kerr replaces Carter as Reutimann crew chief at Waltrip Racing
If Waltrip says he did not know anything about the substance, which I believe is an anti explosive for Jet Fuel Tanks with a little bit of punch, I believe Waltrip should have been not allowed to drive until they know just what the substance was.
He is team owner and that is where the buck stops.
And to hear big brother cry because Gordon’s car fell apart and was not legal after the race?
Shame on him.
After all, most of his races were won on cheating.
He surely is not a driver.
Tony Stewart made that clear last year to him.
What, who let his anger keep him out of the chase and finish 11th, and who finished 6th? Yeah, you sure are smoking somthing strong as well man, its typical though, hes your favorite driver, so you must be in his opinion, thus so am I.