Commission appeal: Complete statement

Commission lifts Knaus' suspension

On March 22, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus concerning three penalties assessed by NASCAR relative to the No. 48 car following the Nextel Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 13.

The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing" and Section 12-4-Q "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: roof height too low in post-race inspection."

The penalties assessed were:

The car was in violation of the rules at the conclusion of the race. This was not contested during the hearing.

Upon review of the evidence presented, and by a majority vote, it is the decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the penalties assessed against Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson and to amend the penalty assessed against Chad Knaus to a $35,000.00 fine and probation for 90 days, effective from the date of this hearing.

This decision pertains specifically to the evidence presented in this Appeal. The Commission's rulings do not have a bearing on existing or announced NASCAR enforcement policies.

Gustafson's suspension lifted as well

On March 22, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Rick Hendrick, Kyle Busch and Alan Gustafson concerning three penalties assessed by NASCAR relative to the No. 5 car following the Nextel Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 13.

The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing" and Section 12-4-Q "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: quarter panel heights too high in post-race inspection."

The penalties assessed were:

The car was in violation of the rules at the conclusion of the race. This was not contested during the hearing.

Upon review of the evidence presented, and by a majority vote, it is the decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the penalties assessed against Rick Hendrick and Kyle Busch and to amend the penalty assessed against Alan Gustafson to a $25,000.00 fine and probation for 90 days, effective from the date of this hearing.

This decision pertains specifically to the evidence presented in this appeal. The Commission's rulings do not have a bearing on existing or announced NASCAR enforcement policies.

The Appellant has the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.

John Cooper

Jack Housby

George Silbermann, Chairman