Concord, NC – Hendrick Motorsports won its final appeal on Tuesday to have hefty penalties assessed by NASCAR to Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 team overturned.
National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook rescinded the six-race suspension for crew chief Chad Knaus and car chief Ron Malec. Middlebrook also removed the loss of 25 points for driver Johnson and car owner Jeff Gordon.
Knaus and Malec will remain on probation until May 9. Knaus' $100,000 fine also remains in place.
The addition of 25 points moves Johnson from 17th to 11th in the standings.
The penalties stemmed from an unapproved part (C-Post) discovered on Johnson's car during the February 17 opening-day inspection for the Daytona 500.
One week ago, a three-member stock car racing appeals panel unanimously agreed to uphold the penalties. Team owner Rick Hendrick immediately requested a final appeal to the chief appellate officer.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.