Appeals Panel Amends portion of Stephen Kopcik's penalty from North Wilkesboro
By Julian Austin
May 27th, 2025
The National Motorsports Appeals Panel today heard and amended a portion of the behavioral penalty issued last week as a result of actions that took place at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, May 18th.
Stephen Kopcik who was previously fined $1,500 and suspended one race has had the fine increased to $2,500 but no supsension. He will however be suspended from NASCAR until the fine is paid. Once the fine is paid, he can return to NASCAR.
Upon hearing the testimony, the decisions of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel are:
- That the Appellant violated the Rule(s) set forth in the Penalty Notice.
- That the Panel amends the punishment to the following:
- $2500 fine. Suspended from NASCAR until the fine is paid.
- Probation until December 31, 2025
In reaching the above decision, the panel provided the following explanation: “The panel believes that although there were several factors that contributed to the wreck, ultimately, the contact by the 21 car against the 3 car was intentional.”
The Appeals Panel members for this hearing:
- Mr. Chuck Deery
- Mr. Hunter Nickell
- Ms. Cathy Rice
NASCAR issues penalties to Stephen Kopcik & Tyler Rypkema following NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at North Wilkesboro
By Julian Austin
May 21st, 2025
Photo by NASCAR.com
NASCAR announced the following penalties on Wednesday following the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday.
Driver Stephen Kopcik has been suspended for one race and fined $1,500. The suspension will be in place until the fine is paid. He has been placed on probation until December 31, 2025.
On lap 104 of Sunday's race Kopcik got by Tyler Rypkema for fourth place. On the same lap, Rypkema bumped Kopcik through the corner to pass him back for the position. On the next lap, Kopcik drove into Rypkema spinning his modified driver's side first into the safer barrier. Rypkema got out of his car and displayed his displeasure with Kopcik with a double middle finger salute as he ran onto the racing surface.
Series officials black flagged Kopcik for the incident and sent him to the rear of the field. Kopcik ended up finishing in sixth while Rypkema was not able to finish and was credited for 19th.
Rypkema was fined $500 and is on probation through December 31st of this year.