CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Motorsports Appeal Panel upheld the penalty against Richard Childress Racing and driver Austin Dillon for a last-lap incident at Richmond Raceway on Aug. 11.
Dillon won the Cook Out 400 after spinning Logano and making contact with Hamlin, sending the No. 11 into the outside wall at a high rate of speed. As a result, NASCAR ruled that Dillon's win would not qualify for the Cup Series playoffs. They also docked Dillon 25 driver and owner points. RCR did get a small win in its appeal, with spotter Brandon Bensesch's suspension being reduced from three to one race.
The panel issued the following statement on its ruling:
"NASCAR represents elite motorsports and, as such, its drivers are expected to demonstrate exemplary conduct if its series' championships are to be validated. In this case, the 'line' was crossed."
RCR announced it will appeal the decision to the Final Appeal Officer per the NASCAR Rule Book.
"We respect the NASCAR appeals process, but we do not believe that today's outcome reflects the facts presented," the team said in a statement.
The NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona International Speedway with the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The race will be held Saturday, Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on WCNC Charlotte.