Appeals panel decides on Jeremy Clements’ sentence

The National Motorsports Appeals Committee has made a final decision on the penalties for Jeremy Clements Racing. The panel eliminated the penalties and brought the number 51 back into the Xfinity Series qualifiers.

“The National Motorsports Appeals Committee today heard and considered the appeal for the L2 penalty issued on August 30, 2022, to driver Jeremy Clements, team owner Tony Clements and Chief Crew Chief Mark Setzer in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” the statement stated.

“The penalty relates to the following section in the 2022 NASCAR rulebook: Section 14.6.12.K & U Intake Manifold. The penalties issued were a 75 driver and owner loss of the championship, 10 championship playoff points, and a $60,000 fine for the crew chief.”

The Appeals Panel – Mr. Tom DeLoach, Mr. Richard Gore, and Mr. Dixon Johnston – determined that the Xfinity Series team had not violated the rules set forth in the Notice of Punishment.

Clements is now back in the playoffs

GTJeremy Clements celebrates winning at Daytona International Speedway.

The win at Daytona International Speedway shook the playoff picture. Clements jumped over the cut line and kicked Ryan Sieg off the 12-man track. The penalty kick sealed Clements’ place in the playoffs, but he is now back above the cutting line.

The fight on the cutting streak is now even more intense considering the decision comes before the end of the regular season. Landon Cassel is now the final driver above the cut-off line, and has 19 points. His teammate, Daniel Heimrick, is slightly ahead of him with 37 points above the finish line.

Sieg, who was just above the line, is now the number one driver below. He is 19 points behind Kassel heading into the regular season final. Sheldon Creed is now 32 points behind after second place at Darlington Raceway helped him earn some points.

“Our small, family-owned team is working hard to bring a safe, legal and competitive car to the racetrack every week and we are delighted that the previous ruling has been rescinded,” Clements Racing said in a statement. “We remain focused on competing for the 2022 Xfinity Series Championship and appreciate the continued support of our fans and sponsors.”

Clements can now focus on the points

GTJeremy Clements racing at Bristol Motor Speedway.

When NASCAR originally announced the penalties, the situation changed dramatically for Clements. He went from qualifying to back in a must-do position with very few races remaining in the regular season.

Now that he’s won the appeal, Clements can shift his focus to a different task. He can work to accumulate as many points as possible during the regular season finale in order to help himself fight for a spot above the cut-off line once the playoffs begin.

The #51 driver made a total of 22 starts at Bristol Motor Speedway during his Xfinity Series career. He has three places in the top ten and one in the top five in the historic short track. Clements is also in the midst of a six-race series featuring the 15 highest finishes and two top 10 races.

Clements will now try to keep that streak alive, secure some stage points, and make a strong finish through the end of the regular season. Food City 300 will take place Friday, September 16 at 7:30 p.m. ET (USA Network, NBC Sports App, PRN, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio).