Robby Gordon wins appeal:

However, the Commission believes that the facts presented during the hearing represented an extraordinary and unusual set of circumstances. While this does not excuse the infraction, the National Stock Car Racing Commission has decided to reinstate the car owner and driver championship points, lift the suspension, and increase the fine. For the crew chief, Frank Kerr, the penalty is increased to $150,000 and he remains on probation through Dec. 31, 2008.

That’s (mildly) surprisingly sane. Though how the crew chief is supposed to know the decals are wrong when all the parts numbers match is beyond me. But Gordon gets his points and his crew chief back.

For a good look at why I’m a Robby Gordon fan, read this: Robby Gordon, NASCAR’s lone wolf, racing on his own terms Last driver-owner, last one-car team, last independent…and even that independence is threatened, since he’s still got to tie up in a partnership with another garage to race that car. Anyway, I like what the guy represents to NASCAR, and I wish there were more like him. No slam against the Hendricks and Roushes, they do good work, but Gordon is a throw-back to the roots of the sport.