Austin Dillon was penalized following a NASCAR R&D Center violation of the underwing assembly
After Martinsville Speedway, the No. 3 team of Austin Dillon was handed an L1 penalty. The penalty noted the underwing assembly. It was issued following an inspection at the NASCAR R&D Center.
Section 14.1.C, E & Q: Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules.
Section 14.6.1.A & B: Underwing Assembly Mounting.
The team was docked 60 owner points, 60 driver points and 5 playoff points. They were also fined $75,000 and crew chief Keith Rodden was suspended for two races.
Richard Childress Racing elected to appeal the penalty. That hearing was completed today…
NASCAR Penalty Report: Martinsville Speedway (April 2023)
Appeal Ruling
Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
-That the Appellant violated the Rule(s) set forth in the Penalty Notice.
-That the Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalty assessed by NASCAR.
In reaching the above 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.”
The Appeals Panel members for this hearing:
-Mr. J. Kirk Russell
-Mr. Lake Speed
-Mr. Kevin Whitaker
The team has the option to send an appeal to the Final Appeals Officer.
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RCR Statement
On Tuesday, RCR issued the following statement:
“While we are disappointed in today’s ruling, we look forward to having this issue in the rear-view mirror so we can focus on the rest of the 2023 season.”
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Update: Photo of the illegal part
NASCAR has a new rule where parts declared illegal are put on display for all the teams to see. They will display parts in the garage directly after an appeal process has been completed.
Today at Kansas Speedway, the part off Austin Dillon’s machine was the first to be put on display.
NASCAR driver and team owner Brad Keselowski reacted to the photos of the part stating, “Have no idea what I’m looking at.”
Kaulig Racing wins final appeal of NASCAR penalty
Links
Austin Dillon | Richard Childress Racing | Martinsville Speedway | NASCAR
