![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-21-1-28.png?width=600)
via Imago
Jeff Gordon (L), Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick (R) | Credits: Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-21-1-28.png?width=600)
via Imago
Jeff Gordon (L), Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick (R) | Credits: Imago
There is so much that has happened since the Phoenix race this year. NASCAR slapped Hendrick Motorsports with a historic penalty of $400,000 following the modification of their hood louvers. It is quite an accusation on a team of HMS’ stature given their strong NASCAR Cup Series history. Obviously, it has not gone down well with many, including the team’s Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon. He has recently come out and given a strong message to the governing body.
The controversy revolves around a lot of things, including the part supplier and NASCAR’s norms concerning part modification. HMS has appealed against the penalty without hesitating once. However, Gordon is certainly not happy one bit with how things have turned out.
Jeff Gordon sends a stern message to NASCAR amid the historic $400,000 penalty
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Poll of the day
Kyle Larson & HMS Are Planning to Return to Indy 500 Next Year. But Should They?
Yes! It Is Great for NASCAR
No, It Was a Disaster This Time
Having spent 25 years with HMS as a driver, surely Gordon has more than an emotional attachment to the team. While speaking on the Fox Sports broadcast booth before the Atlanta race, he was asked what the team expects from the penalty appeal other than it being revoked.
Gordon initially expressed his displeasure at how NASCAR has gone about things. He said, “I think we first look at how it was handled. I think it could have been handled in so many different ways from NASCAR.” The 51-year-old then proudly spoke about the team he loves dearly. He said, “Hendrick Motorsports prides ourselves in the precision you know.
“The detail in which we go about building our race cars is part of why we have been so successful over the years. But we also do with integrity and respect for the rules and how NASCAR governs us.” Having said that, he was unhappy with how things have played out and declared what to expect from HMS.
The four-time Cup Series champion said, “So for us, this just feels like it wasn’t done in that way. We feel like if our integrity is going to be questioned, we are going to push back.” Clearly, HMS isn’t going to just sit back and watch. They probably are benefiting from Dale Earnhardt Jr’s suggestion on the appeal.
Dale Earnhardt Jr strongly supports HMS’ decision to appeal the $400,000 fine
Trending
Kyle Busch’s Wife Samantha Surprisingly Embracing Indian Culture Has Fans Going Gaga Over Fashionista Status
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1240218799.jpg?width=300)
NASCAR Rumor: Courtesy of a $38.76B Sponsor, Tony Stewart’s Dark Horse Secures a Seat With Brad Keselowski at RFK Racing
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-627072846-1.jpg?width=300)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Enraged at Bubba Wallace After He Shot Himself in the Foot, Leaving Michael Jordan in Agony
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-91-21.jpg?width=300)
NASCAR Fans Urge Kyle Busch for a U-Turn Amid Rumors of Rick Hendrick’s Underachiever’s Exit
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Rick-Hendrick-and-Kyle-Busch-1.jpg?width=300)
Despite Alex Bowman’s Confidence, $12.67 Billion Sponsor Could Leave Him Hanging Out of HMS if the Tides Don’t Turn
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-03-12T201334Z_1117556456_MT1USATODAY17881011_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-RUOFF-MORTGAGE-500-PRACTICE-QUALIFYING.jpg?width=300)
Another former HMS driver has voiced his support to the team after NASCAR’s unexpected ruling. Dale Jr has come up with an argument why appealing would definitely serve the Rick Hendrick-owned team well.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Reaction to the penalties issued to Hendrick Motorsports for modifications made to louvers. #RaceHub@LarryMac28 | @ReganSmith pic.twitter.com/WCypPXL2ej
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 15, 2023
Speaking on his podcast “The Dale Jr Download,” the 48-year-old said, “Nobody except for Hendrick and NASCAR really know exactly what they did, right? None of us have seen this piece, none of us know, no one, right? And unless that was laying in front of the table you in front of me and you, I absolutely would go appeal this penalty.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY | $22.6 Million Hendrick Motorsports News Ignites Speculation; and Kyle Larson Might Have Played a Role in This
Well, given Gordon’s statements, there is no question about HMS not going all guns blazing with their appeal. It is a matter of pride for them now, and they certainly will leave no stone unturned.