Hamlin drops appeal but NASCAR will still get its money

   Thursday afternoon brought a quick - yet untidy - resolution to the standoff between NASCAR and driver Denny Hamlin over the $25,000 penalty assessed to Hamlin for making what NASCAR considered "disparaging remarks" about the on-track competition following the Sprint Cup race two weeks ago at Phoenix.

   Hamlin on Thursday dropped plans to appeal the penalty but still vowed not to pay the fine. NASCAR will instead, per its rulebook, take the money from Hamlin's race winnings or points fund earnings.

   Statement from Hamlin:
   "After a lot of thought I have decided not to appeal the fine NASCAR has issued. Dragging myself, my team and NASCAR through the mud for the next 2 weeks would not be good for anyone. I firmly believe I am in the right on this issue and will stand behind my decision not to pay. I understand NASCAR will do what they feel is necessary based on my decision. Thanks to all of my fans and peers who have supported me in this decision. I look forward to putting it to rest."

   NASCAR statement:
   "NASCAR announced today that the $25,000 fine assessed to driver Denny Hamlin on March 7 will be settled per Section 12-3 of the 2013 NASCAR rule book after being informed by Hamlin that he will not appeal the penalty. Hamlin was fined after the sanctioning body determined he had violated Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing). NASCAR considers this matter closed."

Forbes' list of the highest paid NASCAR drivers

   Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads the way for the fifth straight year as NASCAR's highest paid driver, according to this year's rankings put out by Forbes. 

   It may or may not surprise you to know Earnhardt's three Hendrick Motorsports teammates - Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne - all rank in the Top 10.

   Earnhardt's earnings topped $25.9 million, with off-the-track earnings of $13 million.
  
   Read the whole story here.