Richard Childress Racing responds to Austin Dillon appeal decision, reveals plans going forward

Richard Childress Racing issued a statement Wednesday after the National Motorsports Appeals Panel upheld the penalty NASCAR levied against Austin Dillon following his Cook Out 400 win at Richmond.

RCR said it is “disappointed” by the decision and plans to appeal the ruling to the Final Appeal Officer.

“Richard Childress Racing is disappointed in the results of today’s hearing in front of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel. We respect the NASCAR appeals process, but we do not believe that today’s outcome reflects the facts presented. We plan to appeal the decision to the Final Appeal Officer,” the statement read.

Dillon, who intentionally wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap to take the checkered flag, had his automatic playoff berth revoked and was docked 25 points by NASCAR. Dillon went into the appeal feeling optimistic, but the Appeals Panel denied his plea. His appeal was heard by panelists Tom DeLoach, Kelly Housby and Tommy Wheeler.

The panel ultimately felt that Dillon’s race-winning moves crossed the line of aggressive driving.

“NASCAR represents elite motorsports and, as such, its drivers are expected to demonstrate exemplary conduct if its series’ championships are to be validated. In this case, the ‘line’ was crossed,” the panel said in a statement.

Austin Dillon, RCR to appeal ruling to Final Appeal Officer

The Appeals Panel did, however, shorten the three-race suspension for spotter Brandon Benesch to just one race, meaning he has already fulfilled his suspension after missing this past weekend’s race at Michigan. Benesch was heard yelling “wreck him” over the radio before Dillon right rear hooked Hamlin into the wall.

“The No. 1 thing is that we want to make sure that we are protecting the integrity of our playoffs as well as our championship when we get to [the final race at] Phoenix,” said Elton Sawyer, NASCAR senior vice president of competition, after the initial punishment.

“And we want to make sure that our competitors understand — we want them to make all the decisions. We want them to be able to race hard, that’s what our sport has been about for 75-plus years. But we also want them to understand. And I believe that each and every one of them understands, that this crossed the line.”

With his appeal denied, Dillon remains in a must-win situation to become playoff eligible. He currently sits 29th in the points standings.