Team Penske's appeal of Brad Keselowski's Phoenix race infraction denied

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel on Wednesday denied an appeal by Team Penske stemming from an L1 infraction after Brad Keselowski’s No. 2 Ford failed a post-race NASCAR inspection at Phoenix Raceway on March 19.

Crew chief Paul Wolfe was fined $65,000 and suspended for three Monster Energy NASCAR Series Cup races; he sat one before the appeal was made. Team Penske was docked 35 owner points and Keselowski the same. The fifth-place finish was considered encumbered. Keselowski is virtually assured a spot in the Cup playoffs with a series-leading two wins, but 35 more points would move him from fourth to second place, and within six of leader Kyle Larson. The regular-season points leader earns a 15-point bonus entering the playoffs.

Keselowski’s infraction involved the “weights and measures” and the rear skew of the car. Team Penske can appeal to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer.

The NMAP consisted of Rick Crawford, Hunter Nickell and Dale Pinilis.