Jack Roush Comments on John Middlebrook’s Decision: NASCAR Fan View

Jack Roush is sharing his thoughts about John Middlebrook's decision to overturn the penalties for the No. 48 team and Rick Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus have only been left with a $100,000 fine. The point reductions and Knaus' suspensions have been removed. Although Roush did not provide extensive details, it is still obvious he is upset about the appeal.

Jack Roush's Comments about the Appeal

The news of John Middlebrook's decision to greatly reduce the penalties for the No. 48 team has upset several drivers and owners. Jack Roush has tried to avoid releasing a statement on the issue, but in the process has actually revealed his exact feelings. Roush has mentioned, "I have strong feelings about it, but I choose not to comment on it." It is obvious he is trying to avoid upsetting the organization by keeping quiet.

Despite his warnings that he will not comment on the appeal, Jack Roush has made it clear that John Middlebrook should not have made the final decision. Roush has also added that "the question whether or not there was some nepotistic influence" still bothers him. The friendship between John Middlebrook and Rick Hendrick has never been hidden, so Roush's concerns are valid.

Jack Roush's NASCAR Appeals History

Roush has had several instances of personal experience with the NASCAR appeals process. In addition to losing points in 1990 and 2002, Jack Roush lost an appeal to reduce a 25 point penalty for Carl Edwards in 2007. In 2009, his team received a large penalty for an engine violation. It cost Roush Fenway Racing $30,000 and 100 points.

Although Roush is currently trying to remain silent about the Rick Hendrick appeal, he has been vocal about his own problems in the past. Jack Roush pointed out in 2007, "NASCAR, through their punitive actions that have been arguably ill-advised, has affected a number of outcomes in championships for my teams in the last 20 years." He has also mentioned that he believes the appeals process is a "perfunctory formality" that rarely produces positive results. Roush has had little faith in NASCAR's appeals process.

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Growing up in Indiana, Lana developed a love for motorsports at an early age. She follows NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula One. Follow @Lana_Bandoim on Twitter.

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