Gordon penalised after Richmond win.

In what could be the start of a long running dispute between NASCAR officials and General Motors, Jeff Gordon has been docked more than half the points he earned for winning Saturday's Chevrolet Monte Carlo 400 at the Richmond International Raceway.

Gordon's win will still go down in the record books and he has not been docked any positions, however the 100 points lost virtually confirm his tenth place in the points standings for the rest of the year as he is now more than 200 behind ninth place man Ward Burton.

Neither Gordon, team boss Rick Hendrick who has also been docked 100 owners points nor General Motors were happy with the decision and all believe they have been unfairly treated. "We are very disappointed in the penalties by NASCAR against Hendrick Motorsports," said General Motors NASCAR program manager Doug Duchardt. "We supplied these magnesium intake manifolds to our teams in the clear belief that they are allowed under the rules. They are identical in shape and dimensions."

Hendrick Motorsports have already appealed the decision although it is unclear when it will be heard whilst at the same time vigorously denying any allegations that his team have cheated.

When NASCAR inspected Gordon's machine after the race, they discovered that the intake manifold, which was correct in seal number and dimensions, was made from an illegal magnesium alloy casting. However Hendrick strenuously denied that his team had made the part themselves and insisted that the part came from General Motors and that it had been in use for much of the current Winston Cup campaign.

The claim by NASCAR that the part is illegal could spark a bitter row between series organisers and General Motors, who also own the third Winston Cup marque Pontiac. NASCAR do not generally return points that have been taken away on technical irregularities and the move could spark a rash of appeals between teams who may also have the same manifold on their cars.

It was Gordon who was the most disappointed by the news however, as his 52nd Winston Cup victories had been seen as one of his most gritty drives of the year.

"It just upsets me because this team worked hard for that win in Richmond," said the disgruntled driver, adding, "I believe these allegations that we cheated will undeservedly overshadow that victory."