NASCAR
Two Hendrick Motorsports teams have been penalized for illegal greenhouses at Richmond Raceway last week. The No. 24 of William Byron and the No. 48 of Alex Bowman have been docked 60 driver and owner’s points and five Playoff points. In addition, both interim crew chiefs (24-Brian Campe and 48-Greg Ives) have been suspended for the next two weeks and fined $75,000 apiece. The suspensions are effective starting Thursday, April 13th, since they were announced so late this week.
Hendrick Motorsports responded to these rulings by stating: “We are reviewing the penalties issued today by NASCAR and will determine next steps following Sunday’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway.”
These suspensions only affect the current HMS interim crew chiefs, and not the team’s regular members. Both Rudy Fugle and Blake Harris are still scheduled to return atop the 24 and 48 boxes at Martinsville on Sunday April 16th.
These penalties follow the ongoing saga around Hendrick Motorsports’ louvers from Phoenix in March. After having a partial penalty overturned by the Appeals Panel last week, all four HMS teams gained back 100 points and 10 Playoff points. The 24 and 48 were likewise random cars taken for further inspection from Richmond a week ago.
In other penalty appeal news, Denny Hamlin’s points and monetary fines have been upheld by the Appeals Panel. Kaulig Racing’s louver penalties were also altered by the Appeals Panel. On the 31 team of Justin Haley, they lose 75 points (down from 100 points), 10 Playoff points, and their crew chief is suspended for four races.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Peter Stratta/TSJSports
