NASCAR UPHOLDS FINES, PENALTIES FOR PENSKE; SUSPENSIONS REDUCED

By Ron Lemasters Jr.

CONCORD, N.C. -- NASCAR Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook on Tuesday announced that the fines and penalties for Penske Racing would stand, but that the suspensions of key personnel would be reduced from six races plus the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race to two races, plus the All-Star Race.

In the final appeal of the case, which stemmed from parts that NASCAR called unapproved on the rear end housings of both Penske Racing cars at Texas Motor Speedway, means that the team will have everyone back at work following the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26.

"I don’t think we were confused. As we interpreted the rules, these are undefined areas," said team owner Roger Penske of the infraction.""The key thing is having our people back, at the race track. I think that's most important."

Team president Tim Cindric was matter-of-fact. "Not a total win but getting our whole Team back in place 4 races earlier gives us a big boost," he Tweeted.

Originally, NASCAR announced the following as punishment for the infraction.

Crew chief Paul Wolfe has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both the No. 2 and No. 22 cars) have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

The loss of 25 championship driver (Brad Keselowski) and 25 championship owner (Roger Penske) points. 

As it pertains to the No. 22 car the following penalties have been assessed:

Crew chief Todd Gordon has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley have been suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

The loss of 25 championship driver (Joey Logano) and 25 championship owner (Walt Czarnecki) points.