Carl Long can't pay $200,000 fine to NASCAR but unlike Hamlin can't continue to race

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Denny Hamlin's recent refusal to pay his $25,000 fine has reawakened the plight of Carl Long, a driver who lacks the financial resources to settle with NASCAR.

Long's career as a Sprint Cup Series driver essentially ended when his team was penalized for having an illegal engine at the 2009 All-Star race. Long's crew chief was fined $200,000, an amount he was unable to pay.

Under NASCAR rules, the fine was reverted to the car owner, which was Long's wife. Unable to drive until the fine is paid, Long was still able to work in the Sprint Cup Series garage because his wife was technically responsible for the debt.

But last year, Long said NASCAR transferred the fine to his name and he's no longer allowed inside the Cup garage.