Scrutineering checks have become a regular part of BAS events over the last year. © Tim Whittington

The three drivers found to be running ballast in their cars during the second round of the British Autograss Series in West Wales in June have been banned from competing in Autograss racing for two years by governing body NASA.

Kirk Dean, John Gay and Anthony Read were notified of the penalty in the week leading up to the third BAS round at Stroud. They have the right to appeal the penalty.

At Stroud neither Dean nor Gay had decided on their course of action.

“I don’t know if I’ll appeal … the penalty is too severe. I work for this sport, I’m treasurer of the North Western League but if I’m not wanted, perhaps I’ll, do something else. NASA needs to look at how events are run; when the track is watered so much, and when you can’t even see the first corner from the grid, ballast made the car safe to drive,” said Dean

Gay was more circumspect, “I haven’t decided about an appeal yet and I don’t want to say any more than that at the moment,” he said.

Comment
The severity of penalty handed down by NASA took many by surprise. While the appeal period is open, NASA has not commented on the penalty but, reading between the lines, it appears that a correctly lodged appeal is likely to be successful. NASA’s rules are based around club events and the Nationals and the penalty for infringement of the technical rules is a two year ban from the Nationals.

NASA and the BAS appear determined to get technical issues sorted out and it seems clear that penalties will be severe. BAS rules include an automatic ban and points from the current championship for technical infringements, it is up to NASA to decide whether further penalties are appropriate, and if so, how severe any penalty should be. What does seem clear is that the disciplinary system needs to be brought up to date to reflect the current form of the sport, not only regarding BAS, but considering things like F600 and Stock Hatch too.

Latest: We understand that NASA has deferred the enforcement of penalties against these three drivers until appeals are considered at the next meeting of the directors on August 22.