Both teams were found to be in violation of  Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12 (all suspension systems and components must be approved by NASCAR. Prior to being used in competition, all suspension systems and components must be submitted, in a completed form/assembly, to the office of the NASCAR Competition Administrator for consideration of approval and approved by NASCAR. Each such part may thereafter be used until NASCAR determines that such part is no longer eligible. All suspension fasteners and mounting hardware must be made of solid magnetic steel. All front end and rear end suspension mounts with mounting hardware assembled must have single round mounting holes that are the correct size for the fastener being used. All front end and rear end suspension mounts and mounting hardware must not allow movement or realignment of any suspension component beyond normal rotation or suspension travel.) of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book.

As a result of the penalties, crew chief of the No. 2 team Paul Wolfe has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until the completion of the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship points events (including the non-points Sprint All-Star Race) and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

Car chief Jerry Kelley, team engineer Brian Wilson and team manager Travis Geisler (serves as team manager for both Penske cars) have been suspended from NASCAR for the next six Cup races (including the All-Star Race) and placed on probation until the end of the calendar year.

Brad Keselowski has been penalized with the loss of 25 driver’s points, and Roger Penske has been docked 25 owner’s points.

Todd Gordon, crew chief of the No. 22 car, received the same penalty as Wolfe.

Car chief Raymond Fox and team engineer Samuel Stanley received the same penalties as Kelley, Wilson, and Giesler.

Joey Logano was docked 25 driver’s championship points, and Penske lost 25 owner’s points.

Penske plans to appeal the penalties. Penske posted on its Facebook page:

Penske Racing received communication today from NASCAR regarding penalties they have issued against the [Nos. 2 and 22] teams. Penske Racing will appeal utilizing the appropriate NASCAR process. We have no further comment at this time.

Update: The National Car Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel upheld the penalties issued to Penske Racing for violations found before the NRA 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

After hearing testimony from Penske officials and carefully reviewing the facts, the appeals panel reached a unanimous decision.

Penske will now appeal to National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook.

Penske Racing owner Roger Penske said:

Obviously, we’re disappointed with the outcome. We met with the panel for over four or five hours. It was a good process. I feel we have a good case, and as we are allowed to under the NASCAR rules we will appeal to the next level. I can’t make any [further] comment. It’s clear we have a process. That’s why I’m better off to wait and see that conclude, and at that point I can make any other personal comments.

Update 3: National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook upheld the points penalties and fines assessed to Penske Racing for infractions found before the NRA 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Middlebrook reduced the suspensions of seven crew members from six races down to two, including the Sprint All-Star Race. They will remain on probation until the end of the calendar year.

Middlebrook said:

After looking at all the facts and data and interpretations from the rule book, I have decided to uphold the original fines and points penalties. However, I have decided to reduce the suspensions of the seven team members involved from six points races and the all-star race to two points races and the all-star race.

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Team owner Roger Penske said:

The winning combination of Brad Keselowski and Paul Wolfe has been terrific for Penske Racing and we are excited to announce that they will continue to work together. With one NASCAR championship and numerous wins in both the Nationwide Series and the Cup Series to their credit, this has proven to be a special pairing. Although Brad, Paul and the No. 2 team fell short of winning the Cup Series title this season, we know they will continue to be championship contenders for years to come.

Keselowski said:

It’s great to know that Paul and I will continue to work together to bring wins and championships to Penske Racing and its sponsors. We’ve definitely built something special here with this team and we’ll continue to get better to reach our goals. I’m already fired up about 2012 and the future with the “Blue Deuce.”

Wolfe added:

We have enjoyed tremendous success at Penske Racing and I’m really looking forward to building on the legacy of the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge team. It’s been a great experience working with Brad — we just seemed to click right away — and we will continue to build on the consistency and success we’ve experienced with the team. We’re already working hard to get ready for another run at the championship next season.

Paul Wolfe, crew cheif of the No. 22, was fined $20,000 for two infractions. He received a $10,000 fine for violaing of violating Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-J (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20A-12.1A(8) (unapproved left front spring). He received an additional $10,000 fine for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12.3T (unapproved right front shock absorber).

Car owner Jodi Geschickter lost a total of 50 championship owner’s points for the two violations. Additionally, driver Keselowski was penalized a total of 50 points for the two infractions. The infractions on the No. 22 were found in post-race inspection.

The points deduction reduced Keselowski’s points lead from 60 to 10 over Kevin Harvick.

Bob Schacht, crew cheif of the No. 75, was fined a total of $7,500. He received a $5,000-fine for violating Sections 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12-E (reinforcement extended forward of the coil spring mounting pad). He received an additional $2,500 for violating of 12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12 (use of hollow bolts in truck trailing arms and panhard bar). The team received no points penalty. The infractions were found during opening-day inspection.

Newt Moore, crew chief of the No. 05, which failed to make the race, received a $2,500-fine for violating  12-1, 12-4-J and 20A-12.1B(8) (non-magnetic steel rear jacking bolts). These infractions were also discovered in opening-day inspection.