Long loses appeal against penalties

Sprint Cup series driver Carl Long has lost his appeal against record penalties imposed on him by NASCAR last month following a rule infringement at Lowe's Motor Speedway during the All-Star Race weekend

Diego Mejía Jun 3, 2009, 8:59 AM

Long's car was found to have an engine exceeding the maximum size of 358.00 cubic inch displacement.

The driver and his wife (and car owner) Danielle were suspended for 12 races, docked 200 points from the driver and owner standings respectively, his crew chief Charles Swing was fined US $200,000 and all three were placed on probation for the rest of the year.

Long was also suspended from NASCAR until August 18, which means he will be not allowed into the garages during race weekends.

After hearing the case, the National Stock Car Racing Commission decided to amend the penalties, but only regarding their suspension from NASCAR.

However, Long's suspension from the series, his wife's suspension as an owner, that of his crew-chief and the record fines and points deductions remain in place, as well as their probation periods.