NASCAR tweaks appeals process amid continuing debate over rules violations

A couple of days after losing an appeal on penalties for wrecking Ross Chastain, Denny Hamlin remained incredulous and befuddled.

“I still don’t understand the ruling, considering all the examples and all the precedent, and even the real data that I brought to the table,” said Hamlin, who thought the telemetry data from his car showed he didn’t violate NASCAR rules.

“It still doesn’t make sense, which is the disappointing part, especially NASCAR’s stance on it. Refuting real data was just a tough pill to swallow.”

Hamlin wasn’t the only one who seemed a little confused on a decision last week, except this time the roles were reversed with NASCAR officials as the ones who left disappointed.