CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Matt Kenseth is trying to overturn his two-race suspension, but NASCAR apparently will contend he altered the outcome of a race when he intentionally wrecked Joey Logano.

Kenseth delivered payback after being spun by Logano three races ago. On Sunday, he deliberately crashed into Logano, who was leading at Martinsville Speedway. Logano likely was going to win and earn an automatic berth in the final four of NASCAR's playoffs.

Kenseth's suspension appeal is scheduled for Thursday.

NASCAR chairman Brian France told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that Kenseth was harshly punished because penalties needed to be increased to deter any driver from doing the same thing. France also referenced a 2013 cheating scandal at Richmond that led to stern warnings about manipulating race finishes.

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