Richard Childress Racing takes shocking step after Dillon’s penalty appeal

Richard Childress Racing has issued a statement after the National Motorsports Appeals Panel’s decision on the penalties imposed on driver Austin Dillon was upheld.

The controversy stems from an incident in a NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway on August 11, when Dillon, driving the No. 3 car, intentionally crashed into Joey Logano and then Denny Hamlin as a result.

Despite crossing the finish line first, Dillon faced significant consequences. The penalties took away the playoff eligibility he got from the win.

Both Dillon’s and the 3rd team’s placings in the drivers’ and owners’ categories were also subject to a harsh 25-point deduction. The appeals board has now confirmed that Dillon’s sentences will remain unchanged.

Taking to social media, Richard Childress Racing posted a response to the decision and confirmed that they plan to take it a step further and appeal the decision to the final appeals officer. They wrote:

“Richard Childress Racing is disappointed with the outcome of today’s hearing before the National Motorsports Appeals Panel. We respect NASCAR’s appeals process, but we do not believe today’s outcome reflects the facts presented. We intend to appeal the decision all the way to the finals. Appeals Officer.”

Penalties were initially reviewed based on parts of the violation, including NASCAR’s member code of conduct and various codes of conduct that outline expectations for sportsmanship and conduct.

Although Dillon was not released, third-team spotter Brandon Benesch received a reduced sentence. Instead of a three-race ban, he now only has to face a one-race ban.

The appeals board shared the decision in the following statement, which NASCAR.com quotes:

“NASCAR represents the pinnacle of motorsports, and as such, its drivers are expected to demonstrate exemplary behavior if their championships are upheld. In this case, a ‘line’ was crossed.”

NASCAR Cup Series Standings

1. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing
2. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports
3. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing
4. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports
5. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske
6. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports
7. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing
8. Martin Truex Jr – Joe Gibbs Racing
9. Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing
10. Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing
11. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports
12. Chris Buescher – RFK Racing
13. Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing
14. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing
15. Joey Logano – Team Penske
16. Daniel Suárez – Trackhouse Racing
17. Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing
18. Chase Briscoe – Stewart-Haas Racing
19. Austin Cindric – Team Penske
20. Todd Gilliland – Front Row Motorsports
21. Michael McDowell – Front Row Motorsports
22. Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports
23. Josh Berry – Stewart-Haas Racing
24. Noah Gragson – Stewart-Haas Racing
25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – JTG Daugherty Racing
26. Ryan Preece – Stewart-Haas Racing
27. Erik Jones – Legacy Motor Club
28. Justin Haley – Rick Ware Racing
29. Austin Dillon – Richard Childress Racing
30. Daniel Hemric – Kaulig Racing
31. Corey LaJoie – Spire Motorsports
32. John H. Nemechek – Legacy Motor Club
33. Zane Smith – Spire Motorsports
34. Harrison Burton – Wood Brothers Racing
35. Kaz Grala – Rick Ware Racing
36. Cody Ware – Rick Ware Racing
37. Joey Hand – Rick Ware Racing
38. Jimmie Johnson – Legacy Motor Club
39. Derek Kraus – Kaulig Racing
40. David Ragan – Rick Ware Racing
41. Kamui Kobayashi – 23XI Racing
42. Will Brown – Richard Childress Racing
43. Cam Waters – Rick Ware Racing