Denis McGlynn had a simple explanation why an appeals panel sided with Joe Gibbs Racing and eased penalties levied against the organization by NASCAR: The harsh punishment simply did not fit the small infraction. McGlynn, CEO of Dover International Speedway, was part of a three-person National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel that significantly reduced NASCARs punishment of JGR for having an illegal part in #20-Matt Kenseths race-winning engine at Kansas. ‘The penalty was so severe for what was, in our opinion, a minor infraction’ McGlynn said Thursday. McGlynn said the panel entered the appeal ‘thinking with more flexibility” because penalties against Penske Racing had been reduced a week earlier by chief appellate officer John Middlebrook. ‘Yes, the engine was out spec very, very marginally’ McGlynn said. ‘There were three independent affidavits or personal testimony from engine builders who testified that infraction gave no advantage to the team. In fact, the other push rods were all overweight.” In retrospect, McGlynn said the panel should not have allowed the win to count toward Chase eligibility because the engine had an illegal part. McGlynn said he reached out that day to NASCAR President Mike Helton and apologized if he made his day more difficult. ‘He said we did’ McGlynn said, chuckling. ‘But its just one of those things. Were on that panel for a purpose.”( Associated Press/ESPN )
