John Middlebrook, the ex-GM executive and now NASCAR chief appellate officer, upheld the NASCAR penalties against Clint Bowyer’s No. 33 team but reduced the fines against crew chief, Shane Wilson from $150,000 to $100,000.
Also the six-race suspension of Wilson and car chief, Chad Haney, has been reduced to four races ending November 3rd and they both remain on probation until the end of the year.
Although Bowyer won the New Hampshire race on September 19th he will lose 150 championship points and car owner, Richard Childress will also lose 150 owner points.
In a short written statement Middlebrook said “the No. 33 car was penalized by NASCAR on Sept. 22 as a result of rule infractions discovered during post-race inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center following the Sept. 19 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Specifically, the car body location specifications in reference to the certified chassis did not meet NASCAR-approved specifications of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book.
“After reviewing all the data, presentation and factors involved, I am ruling NASCAR was correct in its decision to levy penalties,” said Middlebrook, the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer who presided over the hearing. “I believe that the revisions that have been made to the penalties are consistent and fair to both parties involved.”
Childress issued the following statement after Middlebrook’s decision “"I'm disappointed that the results are not what we wanted, but I feel we received a fair hearing today. The final step in the appeals process is very good, and I can assure you we would not have taken our case to the chief appellate officer if the first step in the process had been as fair as today's.”
“ I want to thank all of the fans for their support. I'm proud to be a part of this sport and proud to represent RCR's partners. We all need to put this behind us and get back to racing. There are seven races remaining in the Chase, and Richard Childress Racing will continue our focus on winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship."
Also the six-race suspension of Wilson and car chief, Chad Haney, has been reduced to four races ending November 3rd and they both remain on probation until the end of the year.
Although Bowyer won the New Hampshire race on September 19th he will lose 150 championship points and car owner, Richard Childress will also lose 150 owner points.
In a short written statement Middlebrook said “the No. 33 car was penalized by NASCAR on Sept. 22 as a result of rule infractions discovered during post-race inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center following the Sept. 19 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Specifically, the car body location specifications in reference to the certified chassis did not meet NASCAR-approved specifications of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book.
“After reviewing all the data, presentation and factors involved, I am ruling NASCAR was correct in its decision to levy penalties,” said Middlebrook, the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer who presided over the hearing. “I believe that the revisions that have been made to the penalties are consistent and fair to both parties involved.”
Childress issued the following statement after Middlebrook’s decision “"I'm disappointed that the results are not what we wanted, but I feel we received a fair hearing today. The final step in the appeals process is very good, and I can assure you we would not have taken our case to the chief appellate officer if the first step in the process had been as fair as today's.”
“ I want to thank all of the fans for their support. I'm proud to be a part of this sport and proud to represent RCR's partners. We all need to put this behind us and get back to racing. There are seven races remaining in the Chase, and Richard Childress Racing will continue our focus on winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship."