NASCAR Panel Reduces JGR Penalties

The NASCAR Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel has been working overtime lately, and on Wednesday in Concord, it reduced the penalties against Joe Gibbs Racing substantially.

The three-person panel, comprised of Mark Arute, former Dover boss Dennis McGlynn and Jack Housby, left the $200,000 fine for crew chief Jason Ratcliff in place, but took five races off his six-race suspension. The panel also reduced Kenseth’s driver points penalty to just 12 from 50 and did the same with Gibbs’ car owner penalty. Additionally, Kenseth’s Kansas victory will count toward the wild-card and he will keep his bonus points for the victory. 

Gibbs is not suspended from earning car owner points, either. Upon hearing the verdict, Gibbs said he would not appeal further. Toyota was docked an additional two manufacturer points, from five to seven.

NASCAR was not pleased with the decision, as spokesman Kerry Tharp indicated. "Today is one we disagree with," he said. NASCAR cannot appeal the panel's decision. NASCAR indicated it would strenuously defend its rule book and not change the way it polices the sport.

Toyota was present at the hearing, arguing that the penalties should be more slanted toward the manufacturer and not the team, given the lease arrangement the team has with Toyota Racing Development. The panel apparently agreed.