Long, a part-time driver in the Sprint Cup series, was penalized for having an oversized engine at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May. Long and his wife, car owner DeeDee Long, were suspended 12 races and docked 200 points. Crew chief Charles Swing was fined $200,000.
Long appealed in hopes of leniency for his low-budget team. He got some relief, but the fine could keep him from racing again.
National Stock Car Racing commissioner Charles Strang heard Long’s final appeal Monday in Chicago. He announced the reduced suspension Wednesday.
“I suppose it’s good news,” said Long. “Eight is better than 12. But they ain’t gonna budge on the fine, and they know I can’t pay it. They intentionally put it out of my reach.”
Long, whose full-time job is working with the Front Row Motorsports team in the Cup series, already has sat out two races. He will be eligible to return to the garage at Watkins Glen in early August. Until then, team owner Bob Jenkins has allowed Long to work solely in the race shop in Denver, N.C.
“I’m very fortunate he keeps me employed,” Long said.
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