NASCAR team loses appeal before board

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered the appeal of the No. 20 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team. The hearing concerned penalty notices issued by NASCAR on Sept. 17 to team owner Bob Newberry and crew chief Chris Rice for a rules infraction that occurred during post-race inspection Sept. 13 at Chicagoland Speedway. Austin Dillon was the driver. He finished third.

The infraction was a P2 level penalty with reference to the following sections in the 2014 rule book:

· 12-1: Actions detrimental to stock car racing;

· 20B-12.8: Truck failed to meet post-race body height/ground clearance requirements

After hearing and reviewing the evidence presented and after deliberations, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel finds that the team did violate the rule(s) set forth in the penalty notice and upholds the original penalties levied by NASCAR, which was a $7,500 fine, suspension (from NASCAR for the next NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event), and probation for Rice. It also included the loss of 10 series championship owner points for Newberry.

The hearing consisted of the following Appeals Panel Members: Bill Lester, Dale Pinilis, and Jay Signore.

The team has the right under Section 15 of the rule book to appeal this decision to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer.

NASCAR