Spencer appeals; commission sets hearing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR Winston Cup driver Jimmy Spencer's appeal of penalties levied Monday by the sanctioning body will be heard by the National Stock Car Racing Commission Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. ET at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The commission's three-member panel, chaired by NASCAR director of administration George Silbermann, will consider Spencer's appeal of his one-week suspension from all NASCAR-sanctioned activities, a $25,000 fine and probation through Dec. 31, 2003.

The penalties were levied for Spencer's part in a post-race altercation with fellow driver Kurt Busch Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.

While Busch's car owner, Jack Roush, said Busch's equivalent probation would also be appealed, NASCAR spokesman Herb Branham said that as of 4 p.m. Tuesday Roush had not filed an appeal.

Spencer is entered in all three NASCAR national touring divisions that are competing at Bristol, Craftsman Trucks, Winston Cup and Busch Series.

The first Truck Series practice is scheduled at 11:20 a.m. Wednesday.