Appeals from two other NASCAR teams will go forward after big penalties were issued at Martinsville Speedway
Sunday’s NASCAR race ended in drama. Christopher Bell and William Byron were separated by just a single point as they fought for the final transfer spot into next week’s championship race.
In the closing laps, Bubba Wallace was accused of slowing down to allow a fellow Toyota driver, Christopher Bell gain the single point he needed to advance in the playoffs.
At the same time, Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon, two Chevrolet cars lined up side-by-side behind their fellow Team Chevy driver William Byron.
On Tuesday, NASCAR issued steep penalties to Austin Dillon, Ross Chastain and Bubba Wallace. Each team was docked 50 points, fined $100,000 each and 3 crew members from each team are now suspended.
NASCAR penalizes Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Austin Dillon
All three teams initially announced plans to appeal the penalty.
Of the three teams, 23XI Racing are the only team in the championship battle via their No. 45 entry driven by Tyler Reddick.
Initially, 23XI Racing stated they would be appealing the penalty issued to Bubba Wallace. However, after review, they elected not to do so in order to focus on efforts on winning the championship with the No. 45 team.
The appeal from Richard Childress Racing and Trackhouse Racing will be held on Thursday.
Bubba Wallace investigated by NASCAR after playoff drama
23XI Racing announces initial plans to appeal the penalty
On Tuesday, the team issued the following statement:
“23XI is aware of the penalty issued by NASCAR stemming from Sunday’s race at Martinsville,” 23XI Racing opened.
“We feel strongly that we did not commit any violations during Sunday’s race and we will appeal NASCAR’s ruling.”
Christopher Bell penalized; Removed from NASCAR championship (Video)
23XI Racing decides not to appeal
On Wednesday, the team adjusted their stance:
“After internal deliberations, 23XI has decided not to appeal NASCAR’s decision to penalize the No. 23 team,” the statement opened.
“We disagree with the penalty ruling and strongly believe we did not break any rules at Martinsville. It is our conclusion that it is in our best interests and those of our team members, partners and fans to fully devote our personnel and resources this week toward the championship and not an appeal.”
Appeal results
On Thursday, Richard Childress Racing also decided not to appeal. However, Trackhouse Racing continued with their appeal for the penalty issued to Ross Chastain.
Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
– “That the Appellants 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: “We feel in the best interest of racing and to protect the integrity of the sport, it was appropriate to uphold and affirm NASCAR’s decision with regard to the NASCAR rule 4.4, attempting to manipulate the outcome of the race.”
The Appeals Panel members for this hearing:
– Mr. Kelly Housby
– Ms. Lyn St. James
– Mr. Steve York
