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| Clint Bowyer. (Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) |
It's had fans up in arms and all but ended Clint Bowyer's chances at his first Sprint Cup championship.
The legal saga surrounding the penalties issued for the No. 33 team after Bowyer drove an illegal car to victory on Sept. 19 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway came to an end Tuesday. In a final appeals hearing, the suspensions for crew chief Shane Wilson and car chief Chad Haney were reduced from six weeks to four weeks, and Wilson's fine was lowered from $150,000 to $100,000. But the most damaging part of the penalty, the loss of 150 owner and driver points, remains unchanged.
NASCAR National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook ruled that "NASCAR was correct in its decision to levy penalties" on the team for rule infractions discovered during post-race inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center.
Tuesday marked the second and final appeal from Richard Childress Racing. Last week a three-member NASCAR-appointed panel denied the organization's appeal after a four-hour hearing. The panel was comprised of former driver Lyn St. James, former USAC Chairman John Capels and former crew chief Waddell Wilson.
In a statement after Tuesday's ruling, Richard Childress said, "I'm disappointed that the results are not what we wanted, but I feel we received a fair hearing today. The final step in the appeals process is very good, and I can assure you we would not have taken our case to the chief appellate officer if the first step in the process had been as fair as today's. I want to thank all of the fans for their support. I'm proud to be a part of this sport and proud to represent RCR's partners. We all need to put this behind us and get back to racing. There are seven races remaining in the Chase, and Richard Childress Racing will continue our focus on winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship."
The following is the official release from the NASCAR National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel regarding Tuesday's decision:
(October 5, 2010) – Following an appeal hearing earlier today in Concord, N.C., the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer has upheld the penalty for the No. 33 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, with the following revisions:
Crew chief Shane Wilson’s fine has been reduced from $150,000 to $100,000 and Wilson and car chief
Chad Haney’s race suspensions have been lowered from six to four. Both are suspended from NASCAR until Nov. 3 and are on probation until Dec. 31.
The loss of 150 championship owner and driver points remains intact.
The No. 33 car was penalized by NASCAR on Sept. 22 as a result of rule infractions discovered during post-race inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center following the Sept. 19 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Specifically, the car body location specifications in reference to the certified chassis did not meet NASCAR-approved specifications of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book.
“After reviewing all the data, presentation and factors involved, I am ruling NASCAR was correct in its decision to levy penalties,” said John Middlebrook, the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer who presided over the hearing. “I believe that the revisions that have been made to the penalties are consistent and fair to both parties involved.”
– John Middlebrook, National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate
NASCAR fans, what do you think of the revised penalties? Let Skirts and Scuffs know in the comments below.
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