Appeals Panel Overturns Suspension Of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Driver

NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Stephen Kopcik will keep his 2025 championship hopes alive after his one-race suspension was overturned following an appeal.

Kopcik was suspended one race for intentionally crashing Tyler Rypkema in the late stages of the 150-lap “FaithFest Evangelical Ministries 150” at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, May 18. 

The total penalty assessed by NASCAR following that race was a one-race suspension and a $1,500 fine for being deemed to have intentionally crashed Rypkema.

However, it was announced on Tuesday that Kopcik’s suspension had been overturned by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel. The panel consisting of Chuck Deery (General Manager of La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway), Hunter Nickell (sports television executive), and Cathy Rice (longtime general manager at South Boston Speedway), did deem that the action of Kopcik was intentional, but lowered the penalty anyway.

The new penalty assessed to Kopcik on Tuesday, May 27 is a $2,500 fine and probation through December 31, 2025. 

As a result, Kopcik will race in Saturday’s J&R Precast 150 at Seekonk Speedway in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Kopcik is currently fifth in NWMT points, eight points back of Craig Lutz for the points lead.