Austin Dillon optimistic about NASCAR penalty appeal chances, cites Denny Hamlin's podcast

Despite being stripped of his playoff eligibility, Austin Dillon is optimistic this weekend as he gets ready to tackle Michigan. Dillon believes he has a good shot at overturning the NASCAR ruling on appeal.

If Austin Dillon gets his playoff eligibility back on appeal, it will be very interesting. NASCAR attempted to draw a line and if that line is erased by the appeals panel, what consequences will that have further down the line?

Talking to the media for the first time since the penalty, Dillon was chipper.

“I want to get through the appeal process and then I will gladly give you my point of the view, my side of the story as best I can,” he said at first, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

When asked about his mindset, Dillon confirmed he’s focused on winning and is still riding high off of his victory at Richmond.

“I won a race last weekend, from where we were in 32nd in points I’m pretty freaking happy really,” Dillon explained. “Right now my mindset is go win another race because of the current ruling that NASCAR came down with. So, the focus this weekend is winning at Michigan and then the focus will be the appeal because everybody at RCR deserves to be in the playoffs and we will do our best to show our position in that. And then after that it’s trying to win Daytona or Darlington, whatever comes next.”

There is one source where Dillon is getting his hope from. And it isn’t what you think.

Denny Hamlin giving Austin Dillon optimism on appeal

When asked about his appeal chances, Austin Dillon remained positive. The RCR group really thinks that they can win this appeal. One reason why, Denny Hamlin and his podcast!

“I am. I feel pretty good about it. You know I think Denny Hamlin has a podcast about the appeal process. He lays it out pretty well in how the appeal usually works, and I think that is why he was very forthcoming early in the week on his opinion of everything because the appeals process isn’t easy. But we will do a good job on our side to try and cover all of our bases and see what the outcome really is.”

With how very much involved Denny was in the Richmond fiasco, it’s funny Dillon points to him. Hamlin has detailed the appeals process on his podcast in the past. However, I’m not sure that helps Dillon and his situation.

Appeals hardly get overturned, but there are times when they can be. Hendrick Motorsports got away with a reversed appeal in 2023. But this doesn’t seem to be a similar case.