The National Motorsports Appeal Panel upheld penalties issued to DGR-Crosley, owner David Gilliland, and driver Ty Gibbs for an unapproved NASCAR K&N Pro Series East test.

With the punishment upheld, the three-race suspension for Gibbs and Gilliland stand, along with $5,000 fines for both individuals, as well as a 100-point penalty in the drivers' and owners' standings.

Car chief Chad Walter had been suspended indefinitely in the initial ruling, but that suspension has been lifted through the appeals process.

The National Motorsports Appeal Panel issued the following statement regarding the appeal:

"The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered an appeal of a P6 level penalty issued on January 30 to David Gilliland (owner), Ty Gibbs (driver) and Chad Walter (car chief), relative to the No. 17 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East team at New Smyrna Speedway.

"The penalty concerns the following sections in the 2019 NASCAR Rule Book: Sections 12-5.3.7 and 12-5.3.7.1.5.

"The original penalty assessed: Car owner (David Gilliland) had been fined $5,000; assessed with the loss of 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship Car Owner points for the 2019 NKNPSE Season; had been suspended from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East until the completion of the third NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event; and placed on NASCAR Probation through December 31, 2019. Driver (Ty Gibbs) had been fined $5,000; assessed with the loss of 100 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Championship Driver points for the 2019 NKNPSE Season; had been suspended from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East until the completion of the third NASCAR K&N Pro Series East event; and placed on NASCAR Probation through December 31, 2019. Car chief (Chad Walter) had been fined $5,000; and suspended from the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East indefinitely.

"Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:

That the Appellants violated the Rules set forth in the Penalty Notice. That the Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalties assessed by NASCAR to team owner David Gilliland and driver Ty Gibbs. That the Panel rescinds the Penalty assessed by NASCAR to car chief Chad Walter

"The panel consisted of the following three individuals:

- Mr. Dixon Johnston

- Mr. Bill Mullis

- Mr. Dale Pinilis

The Appellants have the right to appeal the decision of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel to the National Motorsports Final Appeals Officer in accordance with Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book."

Gibbs competed in the K&N Pro Series East season opener at New Smyrna Speedway, finishing second to winner Derek Kraus.

The next event for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East will take place April 6 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

-Story by: Zach Evans, Speed51.com Southeast Editor - Twitter: @ztevans

-Photo credit: Speed51.com photo

K&N Testing Penalties Upheld for DGR-Crosley