Denny Hamlin drops appeal, says he still won’t pay fine

Denny Hamlin has dropped his appeal and will not contest the $25,000 fine NASCAR handed him for criticizing the Gen-6 car.

However, in a statement he released on Twitter, Hamlin reiterated his stance that he will not pay the fine, believing he said nothing wrong in the comments he made March 3 following a Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway:

“After a lot of thought I have decided not to appeal the fine NASCAR has issued,” Hamlin wrote. “Dragging myself, my team and NASCAR through the mud for the next 2 weeks would not be good for anyone. I firmly believe I am in the right on this issue and will stand behind my decision not to pay. I understand NASCAR will do what they feel is necessary based on my decision. Thanks to all of my fans and peers who have supported me in this decision. I look forward to putting it to rest.”

NASCAR says the issue will be settled per section 12-3 of the 2013 rule book and “considers this matter closed.” The sanctioning body does hold the option of withholding $25,000 from Hamlin’s race winnings if it so chooses.

• Bracketology: Selection Sunday week is here

• Gods fall down: Senegalese wrestling longform

• NFL free agent grades: The most regrettable deals signed so far

• NFL mock draft: Changes on the eve of free agency

• SB Nation baseball cards: Bad players and dead animals