UPDATE: Hamlin’s penalty has been upheld:
The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered an appeal of a Behavioral penalty issued on March 15, 2023 to driver Denny Hamlin in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The penalty concerns the following sections of the 2023 NASCAR Rule Book: Section 4.4 NASCAR Member Code of Conduct Penalty Options and Guidelines. The penalties issued were the loss of 25 championship driver points and a $50,000 fine.
Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
- That the Appellant violated the Rule(s) set forth in the Penalty Notice.
- That the Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalty assessed by NASCAR.
The Appeals Panel members for this hearing:
- Mr. Hunter Nickell
- Mr. Dale Pinilis
- Ms. Lyn St. James
The Appellant has the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with the NASCAR Rule Book.
— NASCAR —
ORIGINAL POST 3-18-2023: #11-Denny Hamlin said Friday on Twitter that he will now appeal the penalty issued to him by NASCAR on Wednesday, following last lap contact with #1-Ross Chastain at Phoenix Raceway. He initially said that he would not appeal.
Hamlin was docked 25 points and issued a $50,000 for the contact, which he admitted to being intentional.
After much consideration I’ve decided that I will appeal the decision by NASCAR to penalize me.
What happened on Sunday was common hard racing that happens each and every weekend. There was also no manipulation of the race nor actions detrimental to the sport.— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 17, 2023