A NASCAR appeals committee reduced the penalties Tuesday for two Nationwide Series crew chiefs punished for violations found before the season-opening race.

Newt Moore, crew chief for Johnny Sauter at Phoenix Racing, had his suspension reduced from six weeks to two weeks by the three-member National Stock Car Racing Commission. Charlie Wilson, crew chief for Cale Gale at Kevin Harvick Inc., had his $15,000 fine reduced to $5,000 by a separate three-member panel.

Both crew chiefs were penalized because their cars had a loose cover on the oil tank before qualifying for the Feb. 15 season-opener at Daytona.

Moore only became crew chief for the No. 1 three days before the race, agreeing to fill in at the last moment.

“The commission also decided that there were very unusual circumstances regarding the crew chief in this case,” the decision read. The appeal was heard by chairman George Silbermann, Jack Housby and Cathy Rice.

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