Commission overturns penalties against Waltrip

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Michael Waltrip's penalties for allegedly making an inappropriate gesture during a race last month were overturned Wednesday.

	ALSO •   Point Standings •   2005 Cup Fines

NASCAR had accused Waltrip of gesturing during the Sept. 18 race in New Hampshire after Robby Gordon threw his helmet at Waltrip following an accident involving the drivers.

Waltrip was fined $10,000 and docked 25 points. Car owner Teresa Earnhardt also was docked 25 points.

Waltrip denied making the gesture and appealed to the three-member National Stock Car Racing Commission. The panel said two members found TV footage "inconclusive," and the commission then voted to rescind the penalties.

The 25-point gain still leaves Waltrip in 22nd place. He now is 76 points behind Kasey Kahne.

Earnhardt now has 2,926 points and also remains 22nd in the owner standings.

The commission is led by chairman George Silbermann and includes Russell Hackett and Bud Moore.