DEI plans to appeal crew chief, car chief suspensions
JOLIET, Ill. – Dale Earnhardt Inc. is appealing at least the suspensions of No. 1 team crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion and car chief Gary Putnam.
Manion and Putnam were working in the garage at Chicagoland Speedway today, and suspended personnel are not allowed at the track unless their penalty is being appealed. DEI Vice President John Story confirmed Thursday afternoon that the team will appeal.
The appeal will be heard July 21.
“We’ve been granted an opportunity for appeal and anything we have to say about the appeal will be done during the hearing we’ve been granted,” said Story, who would not elaborate on the scope and basis for the appeal.
NASCAR issued Manion and Putnam six-race suspensions, docked driver Martin Truex Jr. 150 points and Teresa Earnhardt 150 owner points and fined Manion $100,000 for presenting a car that did not meet NASCAR’s roof template in opening-day inspection July 3 at Daytona International Speedway.
Teams are given 10 days to appeal a NASCAR ruling. Those suspended typically can work until the appeal is heard.
