RFK Racing releases statement after Appeals Panel amends penalty to No. 17 team, Chris Buescher

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel has amended the L1-level penalty NASCAR gave Chris Buescher and the No. 17 RFK Racing team. Buescher and the No. 17 team were initially each docked 60 championship points and five playoff points after NASCAR discovered they went over the maximum reinforcement allowed for its front bumper covers during the race at Kansas Speedway earlier this month.

Wednesday, the Appeals Panel cut the 60-point penalty to 30 for both Buescher and the team. The rest of the penalty remains, including the loss of five driver points, a two-race suspension (already served) for crew chief Scott Graves and a $75,000 fine. RFK released the following statement:

“After a thorough review of the penalties issued to the No. 17 Ford Mustang, RFK Racing has decided to appeal NASCAR’s decision,” the statement read. “We respect NASCAR’s commitment to fair competition and appreciate the opportunity to engage in the appeals process.”

Chris Buescher back in playoff hunt after penalty amended

Prior to the penalty, he was 12th in the points standings. He dropped to 24th after the penalty. Now, he has moved from 23rd to 16th, just six points behind teammate Ryan Preece for the final playoff sport.

“The panel concluded that NASCAR met its burden of proof regarding the reinforcement of the front bumper cover but did not meet it regarding the trimming of the exhaust panel cover,” the Appeals Panel said. “The rule book regarding the exhaust panel trimming lacked specificity on the amount trimmed or not trimmed. Accordingly, the Panel reduced the owner and driver points penalty from 60 to 30 points.”

With the penalty behind them, Buescher and the No. 17 team can put their focus back on the final 13 races of the regular season. Buescher is no longer in must-win territory, though he won’t turn down the opportunity to get one. With just two top 10s in his last six starts, Buescher and his team need to find speed down the stretch.