An appeals panel upheld NASCAR’s decision to revoke playoff eligibility for Austin Dillon’s win at the NASCAR Cup Series race in Richmond on Aug. 11.
Richard Childress Racing, in a statement after the ruling was announced on Wednesday, indicated that it plans to make one more appeal.
“Richard Childress Racing is disappointed in the results of today’s hearing in front of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel. We respect the NASCAR appeals process, but we do not believe that today’s outcome reflects the facts presented. We plan to appeal the decision to the Final Appeal Officer,” the race team said.
NASCAR
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Dillon won the race after smashing into race leaders Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap of the Cook Out 400.
In addition to upholding the penalty regarding playoff eligibility, Dillon and the No. 3 team were also docked 25 points in the drivers’ and owners’ standings in the penalty handed down on Aug. 14.
The appeals panel did reduce the suspension for No. 3 team spotter Brandon Benesch from three races to one.
The panel, consisting of Tom DeLoach, Kelly Housby and Tommy Wheeler, offered this explanation:
“NASCAR represents elite motorsports and, as such, its drivers are expected to demonstrate exemplary conduct if its series’ championships are to be validated. In this case, the ‘line’ was crossed.”
Chris Graham on the Austin Dillon appeal
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Chris Graham
