Appeals Panel Cuts Hendrick NASCAR Drivers a Break

A penalty NASCAR assessed Hendrick Motorsports for modified louvers that the sanctioning body confiscated at Phoenix Raceway during a voluntary inspection was amended Wednesday by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.

In its ruling, the panel said Hendrick Motorsports violated the rule that prohibits the modification of a vendor sourced part. It kept the $100,000 fine and the four-race suspension assessed crew chiefs Cliff Daniels, Rudy Fugle, Blake Harris, and Alan Gustafson.

However, the NASCAR panel determined the loss of 100 driver points to William Byron, Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman, 100 owner points, and 10 playoff points for each of the three drivers as well as the No. 9, which currently has a substitute driver due to Chase Elliott’s broken leg, shouldn’t occur.

“Today’s outcome reflects the facts, and we’re pleased the panel did the right thing by overturning the points penalty,” team owner Rick Hendrick said in a prepared statement. “It validated out concerns regarding unclear communication and other issues we raised.”

In NASCAR’s prepared statement, the sanctioning body said it was “pleased” that the appeals panel agreed that Hendrick Motorsports had violated the rule book.

“However, we are disappointed that the entirety of the penalty was not upheld,” NASCAR said. “A points penalty is a strong deterrent that is necessary to govern the garage following rule book violations, and we believe that it was an important part of the penalty in this case and moving forward.”

The members of the National Appeals Panel were Kelly Housby, Dixon Johnston, and Bill Lester.