Appeal officer issues statement explaining decision to deny Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing’s NASCAR penalty

The decision has come in and Austin Dillon has once again been denied his appeal, the penalties from Richmond Raceway are upheld. NASCAR has successfully taken his playoff eligibility for the victory three weeks ago.

Richard Childress Racing took this appeal very seriously. They did not want to see Austin Dillon lose his playoff spot. After working so hard for that win at Richmond, it is gone. His actions on track were unacceptable though. So, NASCAR stepped in.

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Following the final appeals officer’s ruling today, a statement was released explaining his reasoning. Bill Mullis served as the appeals officer for Austin Dillon’s case. He is the owner of Langley Speedway.

“In reaching the above decision, the FAO provided the following explanation: ‘The data presented today from SMT and IDAS systems indicate that more likely than not a rule violation did occur at Richmond Raceway on 8-11-24 by the No. 3 RCR car on the last lap of the race. (Rule 12.3.2.1.B Eligibility, race finishes must be unencumbered by violations of the NASCAR rules or other actions detrimental to stock car auto racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.)'” Via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

Final appeal officer Bill Mullis statement: pic.twitter.com/ezha49BBHV

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 26, 2024

Austin Dillon sits 29th overall in the points. He will try to win at Darlington to make the postseason but it will be a monumental task.

Austin Dillon appeal denied

Despite making a second, final appeal, the penalties to Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon have been upheld. NASCAR took Dillon’s playoff eligibility from his Richmond victory away as well as a 25-point penalty, and those penalties will remain.

Austin Dillon had a great night at Richmond a few weeks back. He did almost everything right. Last lap, final two turns, he gives the hardest “bump” and run ever to Joey Logano. Then he hooked Denny Hamlin into the wall.

NASCAR felt that he stepped over a line. The win was earned in a way that was detrimental to stock car racing. A three-member group of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel upheld Dillon’s penalties last week.

This decision was not made lightly. NASCAR understands that this sets a precedent. The other drivers seem to understand that as well. Moving forward, NASCAR and the drivers should all be on the same page.

There are no more appeal options for Richard Childress Racing. The decision is final.