Kaulig Racing’s L2-level penalties for unapproved parts modifications ahead of the March 12 race at Phoenix Raceway has been amended. NASCAR Final Appeals Officer Bill Mullis reminded the point reduction assessed to the team at the request of the sanctioning body.
The decision states that “the Appellant violated the Rule(s) set forth in the Penalty Notice,” upholding the fine of $100,000 issued to the No. 31 NASCAR Cup Series team of driver Justin Haley.
One hundred championship driver points and 10 playoff points have been returned to the team and driver.
“Kaulig Racing is pleased with the ruling of the Final Appeals Officer to amend the original L2 penalty issued by NASCAR following the confiscation of a louver at Phoenix Raceway,” read a statement issued by Kaulig Racing. “Regarding these unique circumstances, it means the world to us as an organization that the sanctioning body is working hard to ensure fairness and consistency across the board within our sport. We are focused ahead on Talladega (Ala.) and look forward to getting our season back on track with Justin Haley.”
Haley’s crew chief Trent Owens will continue to serve his four-race suspension.
“In the interest of fairness, NASCAR has requested that I remove the driver/owner race and playoff points fro the penalty to Kaulig Racing,” Mullis said in a statement. “I have agreed to this request, per the rule book. During its opening remarks, NASCAR stated it believes that the violations did occur, the penalties were appropriate and the three-person appeals panel ruled correctly.
“But, because the Kaulig infraction closely mirrored that of Hendrick Motorsports (modified louver at Phoenix), NASCAR requested I rule in the same manner as the three-person appeals panel following the Hendrick Motorsports appeal on March 29.”
Earlier this month, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel voted to uphold the penalty, but the 100-point penalty was reduced to 75 points.
NASCAR released a statement following the news Tuesday.
“… In the interest of treating all competitors fairly, NASCAR today requested that the Final Appeals Officer remove the race and playoff points from the penalty.”
NASCAR statement: pic.twitter.com/7aV9L2YaSp
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 18, 2023
The penalty stems from the hood louvers NASCAR confiscated during inspection prior to practice at Phoenix on the No. 31 Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports’ four-car lineup of Kyle Larson, William Byron, Alex Bowman and fill-in driver Josh Berry.
The appeals panel amended HMS’ penalties on March 29, restoring the 100 owner points and 10 playoff points initially taken away from each team.