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Racing News: Renault Slapped with Probation, Possible Ban for F1 Race Fixing

GUILTY AS CHARGED: The FIA handed down severe punishment to those involved in the race-fixing debacle during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix. The Renault team has been placed on probation and faces a lifetime ban if it commits a similar action between now and the end of 2011. Renault team principal Flavio Briatore is banned for all FIA events for an unlimited period and Renault director of engineering Pat Symonds faces similar sanctions for the next five years.

RETURNING: The Lotus name will return to Formula One racing next season for the first time since 1994.

HEADING SOUTH: American Speed Association will take its unique brand of stock-car racing to South Africa January 29–31 with the South Africa vs. USA Motorsports event at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, South Africa. The race will be held on a 1.5-mile oval at the multi-purpose racing facility.

GOING AWAY: Jack Daniel’s will end its sponsorship of Richard Childress Racing and driver Casey Mears at the end of this season.

AROUND TURKEY TIME:
Indy Racing League President of Competition Brian Barnhart says the league’s new chassis and engine specs, which will go into effect in 2012, will be announced around Thanksgiving.

TO THE TOP:
With his 18th WoO victory of the season, Joey Saldana remained at the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. The rankings appear weekly in America’s Motorsports Authority.

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