On Tuesday, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of an L1-level penalty issued to Austin Dillon, Keith Rodden, and Richard Childress Racing on April 19, following the NASCAR Cup Series event at Martinsville.
The three-person panel – consisting of Kirk Russell, Lake Speed, and Kevin Whitaker – has ruled that the organization did indeed violate the rule that was set forward in NASCAR’s Penalty Notice, therefore affirming and upholding the original penalty.
According to NASCAR’s original penalty notice, Richard Childress Racing violated Sections 14.1.C, E & Q Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules, and 14.6.1.A & B Underwing Assembly Mounting of the NASCAR Cup Series Rule Book.
That infraction resulted in a penalty of 60 driver and owner points to Austin Dillon and the No. 3 team for Richard Childress Racing, as well as the loss of five Playoff Points. Additionally, crew chief Keith Rodden was suspended for two NASCAR Cup Series races and fined $75,000.
In reaching the decision, the panel provided the following explanation: “As submitted the nuts are not a thread locking device – they are connected and part of the turn buckle. The nuts do not lock the assembly. Therefore, the assembly has been modified.”
With the penalty remaining intact, Austin Dillon enters Kansas Speedway – the 12th NASCAR Cup Series event of 2023 – 31st in NASCAR Cup Series point standings, a long way away from breaking into the playoffs via points.
Richard Childress Racing has not expressed its intent to further appeal the penalty.
