Hendrick, RCR to appeal Las Vegas penalties

CONCORD, N.C. -- NASCAR team owners Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress Tuesday said they would appeal NASCAR sanctions -- which each included crew chief suspensions, fines and points penalties -- levied against three of their Nextel Cup Series race teams.

Rick Hendrick

"I'm not disputing NASCAR's right to levy sanctions," Hendrick said. "As a team owner, I understand why these standards are in place and have always taken pride in the fact that our organization has kept a very clean record.

"In this particular instance, though, we disagree with the severity of NASCAR's stance and plan to appeal their decision. I want to make it clear that we in no way intentionally ignored guidelines and I'm certain everyone understands that."

"I understand NASCAR's reasons for imposing a penalty," Childress said. "However, I think the penalty they have given us is out of line so we have decided to appeal their ruling."

Per NASCAR's guidelines, the three crew chiefs should be able to work with their teams until their appeals are heard.