The National Motorsports Appeals Panel has overturned the L2-level penalty initially levied against the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) No. 19 team, driven by Chase Briscoe, following the 2025 Daytona 500. The decision restores Briscoe’s driver points and rescinds all penalties imposed on the team.
The controversy stemmed from post-race inspections at the NASCAR Research & Development Center, where officials found the No. 19 Toyota in violation of Sections 14.1 and 14.5.8 of the NASCAR Rule Book. These sections pertain to overall assembled vehicle rules and spoiler regulations, respectively. Specifically, inspectors identified modifications to the spoiler base, a single-source part that cannot be altered.
Briscoe, who had a strong showing at Daytona, winning the pole and finishing fourth, faced severe penalties. He was initially docked 100 driver points and 10 playoff points. JGR was also penalized with a $100,000 fine, a 100-owner point deduction, and 10 playoff points. Crew chief James Small was handed a four-race suspension.
JGR promptly appealed the penalties, asserting that the detected issue was not a deliberate modification but rather a consequence of the assembly process. The team argued that “the issue in question was caused in the assembly process when bolts used to attach the spoiler base to the deck lid caused the pre-drilled holes to wear due to supplied part interferences.”
The three-member appeals panel, comprised of Dixon Johnston, Hunter Nickell, and Cathy Rice, reviewed the evidence and heard the team’s arguments. In a decisive ruling, the panel concluded, “The panel believes that the elongation of some of the holes on the No. 19 Cup car spoiler base is caused by the process of attaching that specific spoiler base to the rear deck and not modification of the single source part.”
As a result, all penalties were rescinded. Briscoe’s 100 driver points and 10 playoff points were restored, and JGR’s fine and owner point deductions were reversed. James Small’s suspension was also lifted.
The decision significantly impacts the Cup Series standings. With his points reinstated, Briscoe now sits tied for 14th place with 72 points, a dramatic improvement from his previous position of 40th.
Briscoe expressed his relief and gratitude on social media, stating, “Biggest points day of my career! We’re back! In all seriousness thank you to NASCAR for giving us the option to show our evidence and huge thank you to everyone at (Joe Gibbs Racing) who put in countless hours to put everything together.”
The resolution of this appeal allows Briscoe and the No. 19 team to focus on the upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway, where they will compete this Sunday. The ruling provides a clear resolution to the controversial penalty, and allows the team to move forward.
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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