
via Imago
TALLADEGA, AL – APRIL 24: Kyle Larson 5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, William Byron 24 Hendrick Motorsports Liberty University Chevrolet and Chase Elliott 9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet run together during the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series GEICO 500 race on April 24, 2022 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire AUTO: APR 24 NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 Icon9532204241183500 | Credits: Imago

via Imago
TALLADEGA, AL – APRIL 24: Kyle Larson 5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, William Byron 24 Hendrick Motorsports Liberty University Chevrolet and Chase Elliott 9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet run together during the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series GEICO 500 race on April 24, 2022 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire AUTO: APR 24 NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 Icon9532204241183500 | Credits: Imago
This season, NASCAR seems bent on putting a damper on Hendrick Motorsports’ success. The powerhouse team has faced a barrage of penalties, amounting to more than half a million dollars. Opting to come out as the bigger person in their ongoing rivalry with NASCAR, the team has made a decision. A recent tweet brought to light the team’s stance and their attempt to be chivalrous on the unfolding drama as well as their position moving forward with the situation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As per a tweet by respected NASCAR journalist, Bob Pockrass, HMS has apparently decided not to appeal the penalties handed down on April 6.
Hendrick Motorsports: Because we will be best served by devoting our time and resources to competing each weekend, our team will not pursue an appeal of penalties issued on April 6. The area of the race cars NASCAR focused on is not related to our performance on the track.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 10, 2023
The team believes it is more beneficial to concentrate their efforts on the Cup Series races each weekend. Furthermore, the area of the race cars scrutinized by NASCAR is not connected to their on-track performance.
WATCH THIS STORY: Dale Earnhardt Jr Defends Hendrick Motorsports Against ‘Cheating’ Allegations While Blaming “Miscommunication” To Be the Cause of $400,000 Fiasco
In light of the ongoing rivalry and barrage of penalties, the decision by Rick Hendrick‘s team to come out as the bigger one might prove beneficial for the team. By choosing not to appeal and focusing their time, resources, and energy on improving their on-track performance, they can potentially minimize distractions and maintain a positive image in the face of adversity.
Fans think Hendrick Motorsports did the right thing
The escalating feud between the two parties has already raised concerns about transparency and fairness within the sport. The substantial points deductions imposed on their cars could significantly hinder the chances of Alex Bowman and William Byron making it to the playoffs.
Nonetheless, fans on social media feel that HMS’ choice to stop fighting appeals and focus on its performance may gradually put the issue to bed. They also lambasted NASCAR for seemingly “randomly” doling out penalties and fines.
bro trying to appease NASCAR because if they appealed and won NASCAR would be sending the Hendrick cars to R&D every week for at least the next 16 years
— ment0l66 (@Manaea2) April 10, 2023
Probably smartest move on their behalf. If they were to appeal it and win a second time, NASCAR would get upset and start picking on them again. Just let them have their way, they can feel like they finally won something, and then maybe they’ll get over their HMS hating spree.
— Tammra Kennedy (@KennedyTammra) April 10, 2023
Hendrick is basically deciding to be the bigger person because if not NASCAR will continue to be petty and “randomly” choose them for R&D every week, NASCAR is just as shady as Roger Goodell lol 😂
— Osteen Sosa ⚜️ (@OSTEEN_SOSA1) April 10, 2023
Tired of nascar not being transparent
— Andy Plumley (@plumley_andy) April 10, 2023
Better to fight on track than at the appeal board again.
— Ethan (@Pokefan_2844) April 10, 2023
Furthermore, facing a bleak outlook this season, HMS’s prospects for improvement amid the ongoing turmoil seem uncertain. Although a significant the season is still young, nobody is sure where the team will ultimately stand. Meanwhile, the NASCAR community has been abuzz with debate about the contentious situation between the team and the organizers.
At the end of the day, however, the primary focus should be on the road ahead. With any luck, the turbulent storm surrounding the team will blow over, allowing all parties to move on for good. In the meantime, it’s crucial for NASCAR to reevaluate its approach to handing out penalties, ensuring fairness and consistency for all involved.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT