Richard Childress Racing Takes Shocking Step After Austin Dillon Penalty Appeal

Richard Childress Racing has released a statement after the decision by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel concerning penalties levied against driver Austin Dillon were confirmed.

The dispute stems from an incident during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway on August 11, when Dillon, driving the No. 3 car, intentionally crashed into Joey Logano and then Denny Hamlin as a result.

Despite crossing the finish line first, Dillon faced significant repercussions. The penalties stripped him of his playoff eligibility gained from the win.

There was also a severe deduction of 25 points from both Dillon’s and the No. 3 team’s standings in the drivers’ and owners’ categories, respectively. The Appeals Panel has now confirmed that the penalties handed to Dillon will remain in place.

Taking to social media, Richard Childress Racing posted a response to the decision, confirming that they intend to take it a step further and appeal the decision with the Final Appeal Officer. They wrote:

“Richard Childress Racing is disappointed in the results of today’s hearing in front of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel. We respect the NASCAR appeals process, but we do not believe that today’s outcome reflects the facts presented. We plan to appeal the decision to the Final Appeal Officer.”

The penalties were initially brought under scrutiny for violation sections including NASCAR’s Member Code of Conduct and various procedural guidelines, which outline the expectations of sportsmanship and conduct.

Although Dillon was not exonerated, the spotter for the No. 3 team, Brandon Benesch, did receive a reduction in his penalty. Instead of a three-race ban, he will now only have to see out a one-race ban.

The Appeals Panel shared the decision in the following statement, as quoted by NASCAR.com:

“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.”

NASCAR Cup Series Standings

1. Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing
2. Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports
3. Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing
4. Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports
5. Ryan Blaney – Team Penske
6. William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports
7. Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing
8. Martin Truex Jr – Joe Gibbs Racing
9. Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing
10. Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing
11. Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports
12. Chris Buescher – RFK Racing
13. Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing
14. Bubba Wallace – 23XI Racing
15. Joey Logano – Team Penske
16. Daniel Suárez – Trackhouse Racing
17. Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing
18. Chase Briscoe – Stewart-Haas Racing
19. Austin Cindric – Team Penske
20. Todd Gilliland – Front Row Motorsports
21. Michael McDowell – Front Row Motorsports
22. Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports
23. Josh Berry – Stewart-Haas Racing
24. Noah Gragson – Stewart-Haas Racing
25. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – JTG Daugherty Racing
26. Ryan Preece – Stewart-Haas Racing
27. Erik Jones – Legacy Motor Club
28. Justin Haley – Rick Ware Racing
29. Austin Dillon – Richard Childress Racing
30. Daniel Hemric – Kaulig Racing
31. Corey LaJoie – Spire Motorsports
32. John H. Nemechek – Legacy Motor Club
33. Zane Smith – Spire Motorsports
34. Harrison Burton – Wood Brothers Racing
35. Kaz Grala – Rick Ware Racing
36. Cody Ware – Rick Ware Racing
37. Joey Hand – Rick Ware Racing
38. Jimmie Johnson – Legacy Motor Club
39. Derek Kraus – Kaulig Racing
40. David Ragan – Rick Ware Racing
41. Kamui Kobayashi – 23XI Racing
42. Will Brown – Richard Childress Racing
43. Cam Waters – Rick Ware Racing