Childress Appeal Unsuccessful

The penalties were issued after Kevin Harvick's car was found to have a fuel system that appeared to be full when it only contained a few gallons. On discovery of the irregularity, his top five qualifying time was disallowed, forcing him to start 42nd. Post-race, crew chief Berrier was suspended for four weeks and fined $25 000, with a deduction of 25 driver and owner points levied against Harvick and Childress respectively.

Team owner Richard Childress was hopeful of a reduction in the size of the penalty. However, the National Stock Car Racing Commission did not agree and upheld the original decision and penalties issued. Berrier has already served one race of the penalty, and so will serve the rest of the penalty over the next three races at Bristol, Martinsville and Texas.

Childress was not happy with the decision, and in a statement said: "It is impossible for me to describe how disappointed I am with NASCAR's penalty and appeal process."