Panel Finds Preece Intentionally Wrecked Ty Gibbs, Upholds Penalty

The National Motorsports Appeals Panel upheld NASCAR’s disciplinary action against Ryan Preece, voting 2-1 to affirm the $50,000 fine and 25-point deduction NASCAR issued after contact on lap 101 of the Würth 400 sent Ty Gibbs into the wall. Panel members Tom DeLoach, Dixon Johnston and Lake Speed cited Preece’s radio and postrace comments — including that he 'chose to not cut his competitor any breaks' and that he would be 'done with' the No. 54 — as evidence supporting a finding that the wreck was intentional.

The panel’s written explanation said NASCAR and RFK Racing offered competing interpretations of the same data but that neither side definitively proved its version. Under the rule book, the affirmed penalty remains in place. Panel paperwork noted a procedural right to a final appeal to the Final Appeals Officer, while other accounts described the ruling as closing the appeal, so reports conflicted over whether the process is fully exhausted. RFK Racing, which appealed on behalf of the No. 60 team, said it was 'extremely disappointed,' reiterated support for Preece and indicated it may pursue a final appeal while turning its focus to the upcoming Nashville event.