Hall of Fame appeal denied.

Hall of Fame Racing's appeal against the penalties NASCAR assessed to them following the Daytona 500 has been quashed.

The decision, made by the NASCAR Commission earlier this week, means that the 25 point penalties assessed to driver Terry Labonte and the new #96 team as well as the $25,000 fine given to crew chief Philippe Lopez, will stay.

The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing" and Section 12-4-Q "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: unapproved carburettor modification."

The team acknowledged that the carburettor modifications violated the rules, but contended that a third-party engine builder supplied the part and that the infraction was unintentional. They also appealed the severity of the points penalties, sighting other historical carburettor penalties and noting that Jimmie Johnson's post Daytona 500 penalty did not include points deductions.

The Commission found the appeal compelling and plausible. However, responsibility for presenting a car that conforms to the rules ultimately lies with the race team, not with third-party vendors. Furthermore, the penalties assessed are consistent with recent penalties for similar infractions involving carburettor modifications.