Richard Childress Racing 'very disappointed' in Austin Dillon decision, plans to appeal to NASCAR

Following NASCAR’s decision to penalize Austin Dillon for a controversial ending at the Cook Out 400 by stripping his playoff berth, Richard Childress Racing has announced it will appeal the decision.

RCR tweeted a response to the news, which dropped on Wednesday evening, from the official team account.

“Richard Childress Racing is very disappointed in NASCAR’s penalty against the No. 3 team,” the tweet read. “We do not agree with the decision that was made and plan to appeal.”

The decision from NASCAR stemmed from a confrontational finish at Richmond. After the race went to overtime, Austin Dillon fell behind Joey Logano on the restart. He then opted to get into Logano’s rear bumper, spinning him out.

After Dillon got past Logano, Denny Hamlin was shooting to his inside. Dillon then right rear hooked Hamlin, sending him crashing into the wall as Dillon slipped through to the finish line to take the checkered flag.

But NASCAR deemed that driving well over the line, ruling it conduct detrimental to the sport. Under a provision in the rule book, Austin Dillon was prevented from using the win as his entry into the playoffs.

“In our view that crossed a line, without a doubt,” NASCAR senior vice president of competition Elton Sawyer said. “Again, our sport has been based on strong emotions. It’s been based off win and you’re in. But anything that we feel like from a sanctioning body that has crossed the line from a standpoint that compromises the integrity of our playoff format, as well as our championship, we are going to get involved.”

In addition to having the playoff eligibility based on the win stripped, Austin Dillon was also docked 25 driver and owner points. Meanwhile, his spotter was suspended for three Cup Series races for urging Dillon to wreck other drivers near the finish line.