After winning the Founder’s Cup race on April 29, Bob Strauss’ car was protested by Rick Rose. Strauss appealed the protest under a new appeals process designed by Northern California Racing Association. The win was given back to Strauss but due to a safety infraction, Strauss was fined $500 and 35 points.
The Appeals board consisted of three men suggested by Rose. They included NCRA life members and past presidents Bill Robison and Bill Deschamps of Lakeport and active NCRA member and NCI-4 Modified promoter Robbie Robinson of Upper Lake.
According NCRA president Bill McVey, who chaired the meeting, "After deliberation, examining the rules, the protest and the appeal submitted, it was determined by the panel that several mistakes had been made. The protest was not perfect to the rules of protest. The officials had returned the protest monies prematurely. No post race inspection was made to determine validity of the charge that an electric fuel pump was aboard the 11L modified. This was somewhat complicated by the fact that Strauss had admitted the electric fuel pump was indeed on the fuel tank. It was impossible for the panel to determine what the exact use or intent of the electric pump was because of the lack of a post race/protest inspection."
Al though the rules entitle Strauss to request a formal appeal, he has decided not to exercise that right, according to McVey. "Therefore, it is considered a closed matter."
Both Strauss and Rose were notified of the panel’s decision.
