Penske suspensions reduced but fines stand

Defending Sprint Cup Series Champion, Brad Keselowski and
teammate Joey Logano will be without their crew chiefs for the
next three weekends.  Photo by Brandy Valentine

Last week Penske Racing lost their initial appeal regarding fines and penalties assessed following the Sprint Cup Series event at Texas Motor Speedway. After the loss, team owner, Roger Penske made the decision to appeal the ruling in front of NASCAR's Chief Appellate Officer, John Middlebrook.

Following the proceedings which were held today (May 7, 2013), Middlebrook ruled that all fines and points penalties would remain for both the No. 2 and No. 22 teams. Additionally, Middlebrook ruled that the suspensions for team members deemed responsible for the infractions would be reduced from six points paying races and the All-Star Race to two points paying events and the All-Star. These team members will be allowed to return to the track at Dover and will be on probation until December 31, 2013. Middlebrook's decision was made, "after looking at the facts and data and interpretations from the rule book."