NASCAR Cup Series: Kyle Larson loses initial penalty appeal

By Asher Fair | Oct 19, 2018

TALLADEGA, AL - OCTOBER 14: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Credit One Bank Chevrolet, spins on the backstretch during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 1000Bulbs.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 14, 2018 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) /

Kyle Larson’s initial appeal of his penalty following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway this past Sunday was unsuccessful.

As a result of the fact that Kyle Larson and the #42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet team committed a violation of Section 10.9.9.d of the NASCAR Rule Book, which pertains to the Damaged Vehicle Policy and mechanical repair, they were issued a penalty following this past Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series round of 12 playoff race at Talladega Superspeedway.

Chip Ganassi Racing team owner Chip Ganassi was docked 10 owner points while Larson’s crew chief, Chad Johnston, was fined for $25,000 and his car chief, David Bryant, was suspended for this Sunday’s round of 12 playoff race at Kansas Speedway, the Hollywood Casino 400.

However, the most important aspect of this penalty was the fact that Larson was also docked 10 driver points.

Here is what a NASCAR.com staff report had to say about why Larson was issued this penalty.

"“That rule states that regardless of how damage to a car occurs, the team only is permitted to reattach original body parts of the car to their original locations with fasteners and/or tape only. The No. 42 team reattached parts via metal tabs following an on-track incident.”"

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Following the 193-lap race around the four-turn, 2.66-mile (4.281-kilometer) Talladega Superspeedway oval in Lincoln, Alabama, the 1000Bulbs.com 500, which Larson finished in 11th place, he was in 11th out of the 12 round of 12 drivers with just one race remaining in the round of 12.

Larson sat 26 points below the round of 8 cut line.

However, following this 10-point penalty, while he still sits in 11th place out of the 12 round of 12 drivers, he is now 36 points below the round of 8 cut line, meaning that if he doesn’t win this Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400, he will need pretty much everything else to go right for him to even have a chance to advance to the round of 8.

As a result, Chip Ganassi Racing appealed Larson’s penalty. Here is what they had to say about why they did so, according to NASCAR.com.

"“After reviewing the penalty, the rule and the procedure that we used during the race in Talladega, we feel strongly that we did nothing wrong. Subsequently, we have decided to appeal the penalty. Despite going through the appeal process, we will do everything in our power to keep our team focused on the race this weekend in Kansas and the balance of the season.”"

Chip Ganassi Racing’s appeal was heard this morning at 9:30 p.m. ET at Kansas Speedway by three members of the independent National Motorsports Appeals Panel. However, these three members of this panel upheld this penalty.

Chip Ganassi Racing have opted to continue their appeal to final appeals officer Bryan Moss. It is set to be heard tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET.

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Do you believe that Chip Ganassi Racing’s second appeal of this post-1000Bulbs.com 500 penalty will be successful and that the 10 points that Kyle Larson was deducted as a result of this penalty will be reinstated? Regardless, do you believe that Larson will advance to the round of 8 of the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs? Tune in to the live broadcast of the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway to find out. It is set to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 21.

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