RCR penalties upheld

The National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel upheld penalties against the No. 27 Richard Childress Racing Team on Monday.

The penalties stemmed from a post-race inspection at the NASCAR R&D center on Aug. 21 following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Michigan International Raceway.

Paul Menard drove the car to a ninth-place finish Aug. 19 in Michigan, but it was found with illegally altered frame rails two days later.

Crew chief Richard Labbe and Car Chief Craig Smokestad six-week suspension from NASCAR will be effective immediately.