TRUEX APPEAL DENIED

The uphill struggle for Martin Truex Jr. and his #1 Bass Pro Shops team will continue as the National Stock Car Racing Commission has upheld penalties handed down following a failed inspection in the week leading up to the summer Daytona race.

Truex was docked 150 driver points, Dale Earnhardt Inc. the same in owner points, and both the car and crew chief were fined $100,000 and suspended for six races. The loss dropped Truex from 14th to 18th in points, and he currently sits an insurmountable 233 points out of the 12th and final Chase position.

A mere seven races remain until the Race for the Chase commences in New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 14.

Here's the complete text of the commission's ruling:

The Appellants did not contest the rules violations, but argued that the penalties were too severe for the infractions. The Appellants explained that rigorous checks and balances in the fabrication process were in place at DEI and could offer no explanation as to why the roof failed to meet the inspection templates. They argued that the infractions were minor in nature, not deliberate, and that the resulting lowered roof was a disadvantage according to their wind tunnel findings.

The Commission found that the infractions were clear-cut. The roof was low across a broad area. Accordingly, the penalties that were issued are warranted.

Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The periods of the suspensions are to be adjusted from the date of this hearing.