The World Racing Group Appeals Commission convened Tuesday and upheld the recent findings that tires used by Bobby Pierce, Devin Moran and Kyle Bronson did not meet benchmarks set by Hoosier Tire, but after weighing statements from the drivers and owners the group decided to adjust the penalties that were initially handed out.

Most notably, Oakwood, Ill.’s Pierce, whose violation came in Feb. 16’s World of Outlaws Case Late Model Series event at Volusia Speedway in Barberville, Fla., and resulted in a loss of 294 points and a four-race WoO suspension, had his penalties adjusted in a manner that will allow him to continue chasing a second straight WoO championship if he desires. The Appeals Commission changed his points loss to only those he earned for finishing third on the night in question (144) and his suspension was lifted.

Pierce, 27, now sits 16th in the WoO standings with 724 points, leaving him with a 138-point deficit to leader Brandon Sheppard after four races. He did not immediately respond to a message from DirtonDirt.com asking if he would continue running the WoO tour following the ruling.

The Appeals Commission, which is comprised of independent industry personnel, heard separate appeals from Pierce, Dresden, Ohio’s Moran and Brandon, Fla.’s Bronson regarding penalties issued to them for tires used in competition during last month’s DIRTcar Nationals. Moran and Bronson failed tire tests following a DIRTcar-sanctioned feature on Feb. 13 in which they finished first and third, respectively.

The Commission upheld the findings of the laboratory testing on the tires and affirmed the complete tire testing process and procedures employed by World Racing Group.

Financial penalties were also adjusted for all three drivers. Pierce’s penalty was changed to a loss of purse and prize money ($4,000 purse, $3,000 in Gator Championship earnings); Moran lost $7,000 in purse and $2,000 in Gator Championship winnings; and Bronson was docked $2,000 in race earnings.

In addition, Pierce received a $2,000 fine and tire analysis fee of $400 while Moran and Bronson were given fines of $1,000 plus tire analysis fees of $400 — all of which must be paid before they can compete in a WRG-affiliated event. The three drivers and their crews have also been placed on probation for the remainder of the season with any subsequent violations resulting in higher fines, increased points penalties and suspension.