UPDATES: Mike Harmon Racing, Caesar Bacarella Penalized

UPDATE 3 (12-15-2021): The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and considered an appeal of an L2 level penalty issued on Nov. 22 to Mike Harmon and Ryan Bell in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The penalty concerns the following section in the 2021 NASCAR Rule Book: Section 5.1.a.c.d: Vehicle Testing.

Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the Panelists are:

That the Appellants violated the Rule(s) set forth in the Penalty Notice.That the Panel affirms and upholds the original Penalty assessed by NASCAR with the modification that the monetary fine of $50,000 is levied against Team Owner, Mike Harmon and removed from Crew Chief, Ryan Bell.

The Appeals Panel members for this hearing:

Mr. Tom DeLoachMr. Dickie GoreMr. 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 the NASCAR Rule Book.

— National Motorsports Appeals Panel —

UPDATE 2: “Today, we were notified by NASCAR that they handed out sanctions against MHR, Crew Chief Ryan Bell and the use of the 74 car at an exhibition charity event at Rockingham. This was not an intentional attempt to circumvent the rules that NASCAR has in place to ensure the integrity of the sport. In the over four decades of being in motorsports, I‘m shocked at the penalties that were imposed on our team. We will be appealing NASCAR‘s ruling as we are dedicated to the Xfinity Series, our great partners, fans and our supporters.”

— Mike Harmon Racing —

UPDATE: Tommy Joe Martins, general manager of Alpha Prime Racing issued a statement noting that NASCAR had told Bacarella earlier this month that he unknowingly had taken a workout supplement that was on the banned substances list.

Since then, Bacarella has enrolled in the Road to Recovery Program and is expected to be racing the No. 44 Chevrolet at Daytona for Alpha Prime Racing.

A statement from General Manager @TommyJoeMartins pic.twitter.com/CXCYjT72Ii

— Alpha Prime Racing (@TeamAlphaPrime) November 22, 2021

Original Post (11-22-2021): On Monday, Nov. 22, NASCAR has released penalties to Mike Harmon Racing and Caesar Bacarella.

NASCAR Xfinity Series
11/13/2021
Section 5.1.a.c.d: Vehicle testing
Note: Owner/driver (Mike Harmon) has been assessed with the loss of 75 owner points and 75 driver championship points. (Note: Loss of driver/owner points will apply in the 2022 season). Crew chief (Ryan Bell) has been fined $50,000 and suspended from the next six championship points events. (Note: Period of suspension begins in the 2022 season)