Appeals Panel Revises Penalties Issued to Hendrick Motorsports

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel on Wednesday amended the L2-level penalties slapped at Hendrick Motorsports for unapproved modifications to their car parts entering the March 12 weekend at Phoenix Raceway, nascar.com reported.

The panel upheld fines of $100,000 given to various NASCAR Cup Series teams and the four-race suspensions given to the four crew chiefs, but each team was given back 100 owners points and ten playoff points.

NEWS: The National Motorsports Appeals Panel rules to amend the L2 penalty issued to the Nos. 5, 9, 24, and 48 of Hendrick Motorsports.

There is no loss of Championship and Playoff Team Owner and Driver points. pic.twitter.com/aQkmbKZ2AJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 29, 2023

Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman will receive the same points from the initial reduction.

Josh Berry, a permanent driver for NASCAR Xfinity Series, replaced the injured Chase Elliott at Phoenix and did not receive a penalty as he wasn’t competing for Cup points.

The decision was released in a statement by NASCAR, expressing disappointment that the entire sentence was not upheld.

No. 5 crew chief Cliff Daniels, the No. 9’s Alan Gustafson, the No. 24’s Rudy Fugle, and the No. 48’s Blake Harris are permitted to reunite with their respective pit boxes for the Martinsville Speedway weekend.

The organization appealed against the penalties but kept its four crew chiefs sidelined for Atlanta Motor Speedway and Circuit of The Americas.

In a press release, team owner Rick Hendrick thanked the National Motorsports Appeals Panel for their time and attention.

The $100,000 fine and 4-race suspension for Cliff Daniels, Rudy Fugle, Alan Gustafson and Blake Harris remain in effect. https://t.co/3O6VfNg8KN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 29, 2023

The initial penalty report cited several sections of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book, including Section 6.1 Time/Manner/Location, 14.1.C, D&Q Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules, and 14.5.4.2.A Radiator Duct.

As part of the penalty, 100 championship owner points and ten playoff points to Nos. 5, 9, 24, and 48 were reduced. Another 100 championship driver points and ten playoff points to Larson, Byron, and Bowman were deducted.

Further, a $100,000 fine and the four-race suspension were handed down to Daniels, Fugle, Harris, and Gustafson. Kelly Housby, Dixon Johnston, and Bill Lester were part of the Appeals Panel members for this hearing.