23XI Racing Makes Penalty Appeal U-Turn After Staggering Martinsville Punishments

1 month ago 6

23XI Racing has withdrawn its initial decision to appeal against penalties imposed on its No. 23 team and driver Bubba Wallace. This change in mind follows the penalties levied by NASCAR for the team's actions during the conclusion of the recent NASCAR Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway.

The team confirmed its decision with a statement shared to social media, which explained:

"After internal deliberations, 23XI has decided not to appeal NASCAR's decision to penalize the No. 23 team. We disagree with the penalty ruling and strongly believe we did not break any rules at Martinsville.

"It is our conclusion that it is in our best interests, and those of our team members, partners and fans to fully devote our personnel and resources this week toward the championship and not an appeal."

The penalties were part of a broader set of disciplinary actions taken by NASCAR against 23XI Racing, Richard Childress Racing, and Trackhouse Racing for allegedly manipulating the finish of the Round of 8 finale at Martinsville. In total, the sanctions included suspensions for nine individuals spread across these teams and fines amounting to $600,000.

For 23XI Racing, the penalties were particularly severe: Wallace faced a personal fine of $100,000 and a deduction of 50 driver points, while the team's crew chief Bootie Barker, spotter Freddie Kraft, and competition director Dave Rogers were each suspended for one race. Additionally, the team itself was handed a $100,000 fine and stripped of 50 points in the team standings.

NASCAR confirmed after the race:

"The Nos. 1, 3, and 23 teams have been penalized for violating the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct at@MartinsvilleSwy.

"The crew chief and spotter of each car, as well as a team executive from each organization, have been suspended for this weekend's race in Phoenix."

NEWS: The Nos. 1, 3, and 23 teams have been penalized for violating the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct at @MartinsvilleSwy.

The crew chief and spotter of each car, as well as a team executive from each organization, have been suspended for this weekend's race in Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/rMY7TAiFS7

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 5, 2024

Richard Childress Racing and Trackhouse Racing are continuing with their penalty appeals, which are scheduled to be heard Thursday afternoon.

Richard Childress Racing posted at the time:

"Richard Childress Racing is disappointed in NASCAR's penalty against the No. 3 team and plans to appeal."