NASCAR Panel Reduces RFK, Kopcik Penalties

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel reduced the penalty for Chris Buescher and the No. 17 RFK Racing team after finding they only violated the bumper cover rule, not the exhaust panel rule, during the Kansas Speedway race. The points deduction was cut from 60 to 30, but the five playoff point loss, $75,000 fine, and two-race suspension for crew chief Scott Graves remain. This moved Buescher from 23rd to 16th in the Cup Series standings, just six points outside a playoff spot. The panel, consisting of Tom DeLoach, Cary Tharrington, and Kevin Whitaker, ruled that NASCAR proved only the bumper cover infraction. In a separate decision, Stephen Kopcik's penalty for intentional race contact was amended to a $2,500 fine and suspension until the fine is paid. These decisions reflect the panel's careful evidence review and willingness to adjust penalties accordingly.