NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Carl Long has been hit hard with a penalty handed down by NASCAR Wednesday afternoon. The driver of the No. 46 and crew chief Charles Swing have been suspended from the next twelve Sprint Cup Series events and placed on probation until December 31. In addition, Swing will have to pay a $200,000 fine for the infraction – the largest in NASCAR history.

Long will lose 200 driver points, while car owner Danielle Long will be penalized 200 owner points.

NASCAR discovered the team was in violation of Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR Officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-5.4A (engine exceeded the maximum engine size of 358.000 cubic inch displacement) of the 2009 NASCAR rule book. 

Long was slated to start Saturday night's Sprint All-Star Showdown from the outside of row one, but was forced to the rear of the field following an engine change. The engine found in violation was the one replaced prior to the race.

Be sure to check back to HardcoreRaceFans.com for more as this story develops.

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