Appeals panel reduces NASCAR penalty to Circle Sport team

   A three-member National Motorsports Appeals Panel on Tuesday reduced the NASCAR penalties imposed last month on the Circle Sport No. 33 team in the Sprint Cup Series for an unapproved rear truck trailing arm.

   NASCAR originally imposed a  $50,000 fine and three-race suspension to crew chief Slugger Labbe and placed him on probation through the end of the year. In addition, a 25-point penalty was assessed to team owner Joe Falk.

   The panel decided to reduce the fine to $20,000 and reduce the points penalty to 10 owner points. The suspension and probation remain in effect. The panel said two of the three rules the team was accused of violating were "subject to interpretation."

   The panel consisted of Russell Hackett, Lake Speed and John White.