UPDATE: Mike Harmon Racing released the following statement after their appeal was denied:
Today, the National Motorsports Review Board voted to uphold the penalty imposed by NASCAR, on November 22, 2021, regarding alleged testing, that occurred at a charity fundraiser at the Rockingham Speedway. NASCAR imposed a $50,000.00 fine, 75 point penalty and 6 race suspension for Crew Chief Ryan Bell. I want to reiterate that there was no testing being done, not a bit. We are disappointed with this outcome and ruling today, we will be challenging this ruling in the near future. We presented a solid case and are confident that we proved that there was no testing being done. This was not done in any way to circumvent the rules set forth by NASCAR, it was a charity event that benefited “Smiling While Sending Hope” as we at MHR do a lot for charities. We will move forward and prepare for the 2022 season beginning in Daytona. We want to thank our partners, loyal fans, and everyone who supports MHR. We look forward to seeing you all at the track soon. May you and your families have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
– Mike Harmon – Owner, Mike Harmon Racing
On Wednesday Afternoon, Mike Harmon Racing announced via social media that the organization has lost its appeal with NASCAR, regarding an L2 penalty that was handed down on November 22nd for the violation of the sanctioning body’s testing policy.
Unfortunately we lost the appeal today with NASCAR
We appreciate all the support you have given us— MHR_74 (@MHR_racing74) December 15, 2021
The following penalties – which were originally assessed to the two-car NASCAR Xfinity Series operation — will stand:
- Mike Harmon (part-time driver of the No. 74) will lose 75 Xfinity Series driver points.
- The Mike Harmon Racing No. 74 will lose 75 Xfinity Series owner points.
- Ryan Bell – crew chief of MHR’s No. 74 — has been fined $50,000 and suspended from the first six events.
Harmon Receives L2 Penalty for Testing Infraction, Bacarella Suspended for Substance Abuse Violation
The penalty originated from a social media post made by Mike Harmon Racing on November 15, which showed the team on the track at Rockingham Speedway. One of the cars that the team was running around the facility was the same vehicle they ran at Phoenix, directly violating NASCAR’s testing rules.
Following the statement, Mike Harmon Racing said: “This was not an intentional attempt to circumvent the rules that NASCAR has in place to ensure the integrity of the sport.”
At the time of publishing, the organization has yet to announce any plans for the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
This is a developing story, when more details are released they will be added to the story.
One Response
This sure looked like a bad deal. Nascar must know something we do not know. Maybe something else made them mad. This is how they chose to attack. I don’t know. Seems harsh.