Several more Nextel Cup teams that ran in the Pep Boys Auto 500 found evidence of water contamination in their fuel systems after examinations requested by NASCAR. Nextel Cup Series director John Darby said Monday he did not know an exact number, but said the problem was spread among several teams that participated in Sunday's race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, likely ruling out sabotage. NASCAR and Sunoco believe the problem is an isolated incident. ... Darby said it was curious that the water found in the systems was not clear, but contained a brownish tint. He said samples were being sent to labs to find out whether rust, clay or some other factor caused this discoloration, and said that finding could help pinpoint the source. Teams participating in the first day of a two-day car of tomorrow test at Atlanta on Monday were using fuel from the same pumps that had been used this weekend, apparently without problem. The in-ground fuel storage tanks have monitoring systems that check for water contamination. Darby said Sunoco also tests those tanks during an event and also tests samples of fuel taken from the pumps for water and other contamination. Those tests were normal all week, he said.
-- Charlotte Observer
Charlotte Observer | 10/30/2007 | <b>Motorsports notes</b> | Water found in more teams' fuel
10-30-2007, 02:01 PM
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