NASCAR overturns Hendrick crew chief suspensions

NASCAR announced that they are overturning the suspensions for Hendrick crew chiefs Chad Knaus and Alan Gustafson after reviewing evidence in their appeals.  Nothing was mentioned as to what this evidence was.  Both Knaus and Gustafson are on 90 days probation instead of the suspensions, the rest of the penalties assessed to them will stand.  No word on Berrier.

What kind of message does this send?  Does this mean NASCAR is sending empty threats about rule violations?  Are they playing favorites again?

A lot of people thought the penalties, especially the suspensions, were too harsh.  I thought with the latest round of penalties that they handed down, that NASCAR was finally putting their foot down and meant business.  By overturning these suspensions, it's like they're saying it's no big deal.  NASCAR admitted that the fines don't work, taking points away wasn't working too well either, that's why they started with the suspensions.  To me, this doesn't send the message of "stay within the box," it says "try and stay within the box or you'll get a slap on the wrist." 

If it was near the end of the season the points could have an impact, but not now, 25 points is not going to make or break a team or driver this early in the season and the fines are just pennies to them.

This may make a lot of people mad because they disagree with my thoughts, but NASCAR's "we're getting tough" stance just went right out the window with the reversal of the suspensions.