Appeals panel upholds car 48 penalties, Hendrick to appeal

The National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard the appeal by the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 team today, March 13th.

The team’s Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson and owned by Jeff Gordon under the Hendrick Motorsports umbrella failed technical inspection at the Daytona International Speedway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ season opening Daytona 500 event.

On February 17th, NASCAR ruled that the C-posts on the car did not meet the proper series specifications.

The statement issued by the panel states: "Upon hearing the testimony, carefully reviewing the facts and historically comparative penalties, the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel was to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR."

The original penalties assessed were confirmed by the panel. Johnson’s crew chief Chad Knaus and car chief Ron Malec both received a six race suspension, plus placed on probation until May 9th. Knaus was also fined $100,000. On top of the suspension of two key players the No. 48 driver, Johnson and Gordon had 25 points taken away each of them as driver and owner, respectively.

A statement from Hendrick Motorsports indicates that they will appeal this decision before the National Stock Car Racing chief appellate officer.

"The panel was generous with its time today, and we appreciated the opportunity to talk through our concerns," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "We feel strongly about this issue and will continue to pursue it at the next level."

Until the appeal process is complete, there will be no adjustments to the personnel on the No. 48 team, according to Hendrick.

See Heavy penalty handed to Hendrick Motorsport team by NASCAR

Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Photo by: Eric Gilbert