Michael Waltrip Racing Files Appeal After Clint Bowyer Penalty

Clint Bowyer drives his auto during practice for the NASCAR Sprint…

Immediately following the announcement of the penalty MWR released a statement saying that they respectfully disagree with the decision and will be appealing the penalty. Crew chief Billy Scott’s three-race suspension has been deferred until after the appeal is heard on Wednesday. He finished 42nd in the Chase-opener at Chicagoland after a cut tire sidelined the team for lengthy repairs. The P2 level penalty comes from violating Sections 12.1 and 20.4b and 20.4.2a of the NASCAR rule book on September 19.

Michael Waltrip Racing, Bowyer’s vehicle owner, will appeal the penalties.

After Denny Hamlin won the first race of the 2015 Chase for the Sprint Cup last weekend at Chicagoland, the series advances to the east coast and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

MWR will appeal the penalty, and NASCAR has asked that the appeal process be expedited because of its potential impact on the Chase. “We look forward to the opportunity to present our case to the appeals committee and have no further comment until the process is completed”.

The team has had its issues from its 2007 launch, when owner Michal Waltrip was found to have jet fuel in his engine in the days before the season-opening Daytona 500.

Kurt Busch’s crew chief, Tony Gibson, had an emergency appendectomy and will delay traveling to New Hampshire for this weekend’s Chase race until he’s feeling well enough to travel.

Following Kyle Busch’s victory in the Furious 7 300 at Chicagoland Speedway, NASCAR announced that the No.54 Monster Energy Toyota had not passed height requirements in post-race inspection.

Also in the Xfinity series, Daniel Suarez and Joe Gibbs racing were penalized after NASCAR determined through an inspection that the right side skirt on the auto was modified. Crew chief Chris Gayle was fined $12,500 and put on probation through December 31.

Stewart-Haas Racing said if Gibson is not in New Hampshire when the track opens Friday, team engineer John Klausmeier will act as crew chief until Gibson arrives. He was one of the final drivers to qualify for the Chase in what’s been a below-average year for the driver, and he was an uncompetitive 19th in the opening race.

His penalty also means that defending champion Kevin Harvick moves up to 15th in the points standings after finishing 42nd at Chicago.