“I’d like to thank the Appeals Panel for taking the time to hear our appeal today. While they decided to reduce the penalties to the minimum penalties for a P5 violation, I am disappointed that the entire penalty was not overturned given the facts we presented.
“In order for the team to move forward, and focus our efforts on the upcoming races, Luke (Lambert), Phil (Surgen) and James (Bender) will begin serving their suspensions this weekend at Bristol. Veteran crew chief Todd Parrott will fill in as crew chief for this weekend’s race.
“We are still discussing our options and have not yet determined whether to appeal the penalties to the Final Appeals Officer.”
What did they expect, full dismissal? No way. Anybody who has been around enough knows that this “bought off panel” isn’t going to change a rule of the high and mighty Gods of the racing world and totally dismissal their foolishness.