Hamlin, NASCAR Move on from Fine Flap

Denny Hamlin will indeed not pay the fine levied against him by NASCAR for criticizing the racing with the new Gen-6 car. At least not directly. After loudly declaring that he would rather be suspended than pay the fine, Hamlin said in no uncertain terms he would appeal it. He won't.

NASCAR will simply deduct the $25,000 from his race winnings this weekend in Bristol, thereby bringing to a close a tense and somewhat bizarre chain of events that began at Phoenix.

NASCAR released a statement today that it "considers the matter closed."

The statement read: "NASCAR announced today that the $25,000 fine assessed to driver Denny Hamlin on March 7 will be settled per Section 12-3 of the 2013 NASCAR rule book after being informed by Hamlin that he will not appeal the penalty. Hamlin was fined after the sanctioning body determined he had violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing). NASCAR considers this matter closed."

For his part, Hamlin said that time away to consider his options led to the withdrawal of his intended appeal.

"After a lot of thought I have decided not to appeal the fine NASCAR has issued," Hamlin wrote on Twitter. "Dragging myself, my team and NASCAR through the mud for the next 2 weeks would not be good for anyone. I firmly believe I am in the right on this issue and will stand behind my decision not to pay. I understand NASCAR will do what they feel is necessary based on my decision. Thanks to all of my fans and peers who have supported me in this decision. I look forward to putting it to rest."

There seems to be a whole lot of "putting it to rest" and considering the matter closed going around. 

Neither side apparently saw a protracted war of words as being in anyone's best interest. Hamlin would have the distraction of suspension looming over him, and NASCAR would have to put up with a couple of weeks of commentary that would not put it in the best light as it goes through the growing pains of a new race car.

The previous new car, the CoT, was never particularly embraced by the fan base, especially since the winner of the first race, Kyle Busch, spent more time bemoaning it than celebrating his victory, which coincidentally came at Bristol in the spring.

Fans had entered the fray in force, slamming the fine and inquiring rather pointedly about free speech rights among drivers. The furor had not died down much even after Las Vegas, and the writing on the wall became crystal clear.

Once Hamlin declined his right to appeal, NASCAR was free to collect the amount through Section 12-3 of the Sprint Cup rule book, which allows the league to deduct fines from purse or point fund winnings. Hamlin earned $125,780 for his 15th-place finish Sunday at Las Vegas, and has collected $614,064 through the first three events of this season.

Best interests of all involved were served by stepping away from the controversy and mending fences.  

"There was open dialogue between NASCAR, Denny and his team this week and this was the resolution that came about,'' NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said. ''Denny is a championship-caliber driver and his fans and our sport look forward to him competing this weekend at Bristol. We all look forward to putting this matter behind us."