NASCAR Cup

Explained: How the NASCAR appeal process works

When NASCAR decides to throw the rule book at one of its drivers/teams, what recourse do they have?

Nick DeGroot

Edited: May 7, 2026, 9:33 PM

Copy link

Share on Viber

Add as a preferred source

NASCAR officials

Photo by: Logan Riely / Getty Images

In NASCAR, teams usually have little hope of overturning penalties issued by the sanctioning body, but it's not impossible. Richard Childress Racing is Jesse Love disqualified, Sammy Smith wins Rockingham in shocking twist. Earlier this year, Chase Briscoe and JGR win NASCAR appeal, overturning Daytona 500 penalties

But how does it it all work? Well, NASCAR has fairly clear rules on the process. First, the team and/or driver must put forth an appeal, and they only have a limited amount of time to do so (normally 24 hours for race disqualifications). However, it can be up to three business days for penalties that don't directly impact the championship. Once they do, the wheels are set in motion and a date will be set for the appeal. Appeals must be heard within a month but in some circumstances when time is of the essence, an expedited appeal will take place.

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel and their role

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel will hear arguments from both sides and make a decision. Now, who are they? The panel is a three-person panel of experienced volunteers that provide an impartial look into the matter. The panel members change for every appeal and they can have a wide range of backgrounds. Some are former racers themselves while others have non-racing backgrounds. The panelists are chosen by an Appeal Administrator.

At the appeal, both NASCAR and the appellant will have representative(s) present, but no lawyers. Both sides can state their case, provide evidence, and will answer questions. Following the hearing, the panel will make their decision. They are permitted to uphold, rescind or amend the penalties and must provide an explanation as to why. Their decision must be unanimous.

The burden of proof and the second phase of appeals

An important note here is that NASCAR can not appeal the decision of the NMPA. However, the party under penalty has a secondary option if the first appeal doesn't go their way. They can actually go and take their case to the Final Appeals Officer (FAO) -- a single individual who will have the final say. Their decision is final and no more appeals are allowed.

Once an appeal reaches this level, things get more difficult for the team and/or driver. During the first phase, the burden of proof is on NASCAR but when facing the FAO, that burden shifts to the appellant. NASCAR revokes Austin Dillon's playoff spot after Richmond Cup win

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?

Take our 5 minute survey.

- The Motorsport.com Team

Read and post comments

Share Or Save This Story

Copy link

Share on Viber

Previous article Toyota releases wild (and unhinged) NASCAR-themed ad in Japan

Next article Tyler Ankrum embraces Rockingham return after successful NASCAR weekend

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

View More & Comment

Latest news

NASCAR to allow brake rotor and pad changes after Phoenix qualifying

NASCAR Cup

NAS NASCAR Cup

Charlotte II

19 min

NASCAR to allow brake rotor and pad changes after Phoenix qualifying

Why Christian Horner banned Mercedes' name as Red Bull built its own F1 engine

Formula 1

F1 Formula 1

Singapore GP

35 min

Why Christian Horner banned Mercedes' name as Red Bull built its own F1 engine

Laurent Mekies extends contract as Red Bull's F1 team boss

Formula 1

F1 Formula 1

Singapore GP

2 h

Laurent Mekies extends contract as Red Bull's F1 team boss

Alex Palou to drive Indy NXT machinery in Chris Griffis Memorial Test at IMS

IndyCar

Indy IndyCar 2 h

Alex Palou to drive Indy NXT machinery in Chris Griffis Memorial Test at IMS

Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.

From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.

You have 2 options:

Become a subscriber.
Disable your adblocker.

Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here

Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page

Manage Alerts