Several NASCAR Chevy teams were penalized after parts were seized ahead of the March 12th race at Phoenix Raceway. After a hearing on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023, the National Motorsports Appeal Panel (NMAP) ruled that the penalties assessed to the four Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) Chevy Camaro ZL1 teams should be amended, upholding suspensions and fines, but repealing the point deductions.
As a reminder, the hood louvres were seized from all four of the HMS race cars after a practice session at Phoenix, including the No. 5 Camaro of Kyle Larson, the No. 48 Camaro of Alex Bowman, the No. 9 Camaro of Josh Berry and the No. 24 Camaro of William Byron. The hood louvres were found to be in violation of Sections 14.5.4.2.A of the NASCAR Rule Book, which outlines specifications for how the radiator duct of the Next Gen race car is assembled.
As a result, the teams were hit with L2-level penalties, which initially consisted of crew chief suspensions and fines of $100,000. Each team was also docked 100 team points, 100 driver points and 10 Playoff points, with the exception of the No. 9 Camaro, which is currently being piloted by a substitute driver who earns Xfinity Series points. NMAP ruled that the $100,000 fines to each crew chief will be upheld, as will the crew chief suspensions. However, the 100 team points, 100 driver points and 10 Playoff points will be restored to each HMS driver.
“We are pleased that the National Motorsports Appeals Panel agreed that Hendrick Motorsports violated the rule book,” NASCAR said in a statement. “However, we are disappointed that the entirety of the penalty was not upheld. A points penalty is a strong deterrent that is necessary to govern the garage following rule book violations, and we believe that it was an important part of the penalty in this case and moving forward. We will continue to inspect and officiate the NASCAR garage at the highest level of scrutiny to ensure a fair and level playing field for our fans and the entire garage.”
Of course, HMS itself was pleased with the outcome, as the No. 48 NASCAR Chevy of Bowman once again assumed the points lead.
“We are grateful to the National Motorsports Appeals Panel for their time and attention,” HMS owner Rick Hendrick said in a press release. “Today’s outcome reflects the facts, and we’re pleased the panel did the right thing by overturning the points penalty. It validated our concerns regarding unclear communication and other issues we raised. We look forward to focusing on the rest of our season, beginning with this weekend’s race at Richmond.”
A fifth NASCAR Chevy team, the No. 31 Camaro of Justin Haley, was also struck with penalties for the same parts. However, this team has not yet had its hearing.
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Comments
So Glad they got their points back. it was dumb to just get some for the manufactures mistake. Go Chevy 😍🏁
Remember back in the day when the only stock parts on a vehicle in “stock car” races was the hood and trunk lid? Stock Camaros have hood vents, so what’s the problem? It’s all manipulated anyway … as Toyota doesn’t even have a rear wheel drive vehicle with a V-8 that you can walk into a dealership and buy! At least Chevy and Ford are racing vehicles you can still buy.
Paulie, good point!!!
I agreed with you100 percent!