William Byron Penalty Amended

By: Tom Luttermoser     Image Credit: Tom Luttermoser
 
After Intentionally dumping fellow playoff driver Denny Hamlin under caution at Texas and admitting it on TV, Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron received a 25 deriver point, 25 owner point and $50,000 penalty which put the 2x 2022 winner into a huge hole going toward the Round of 8. It was announced immediately that HMS would appeal the penalties in question and Thursday, the Appeals Panel released it's verdict. 

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel decided to amend the penalty to Byron and the 24 team and here is what they decided;

• Byron's financial penalty is doubled from $50,000 to $100,000
• The 25 point penalty is removed

What does that mean for his playoff chances? They just got a whole lot better. Byron went from 10th in the standings 11 points back of the cutline going into the cutoff race at the Charlotte Roval, to now 7th 14 points above the cutline. Now that doesn't guarantee his transfer into the Round of 8.... But it does make it a hell of a lot easier.

Updated Playoff Standings 

1. Chase Elliott              
2.  Ryan Blaney                 +32
3. Ross Chastain              +28
4. Denny Hamlin             +21
5. Joey Logano                 +18
6. Kyle Larson                  +18
7. William Byron             +14
8. Daniel Suarez              +12
9. Chase Briscoe              -12
10. Austin Cindric             -12
11. Christopher Bell         -45
12. Alex Bowman               -66

Now for my personal opinion.. This takes away the sense of responsibility and essentially gives a go ahead to the drivers that it is just fine to do as they please on the track.... even under caution (which is supposed to be a safe time for drivers and teams). Obviously the reactions to this one will be mixed, and man I cannot wait to read NASCAR Twitter....