NASCAR Cracks Down: Three Cup Series Teams Hit with Major Penalties After Martinsville
NASCAR has issued severe penalties to three Cup Series teams following the recent Martinsville Speedway event. The teams affected are Trackhouse Racing (No. 1), Richard Childress Racing (No. 3), and 23XI Racing (No. 23) ¹. The penalties stem from violations of sections 4.4.B&D of the NASCAR rule book, which pertain to member conduct, specifically race manipulation and actions detrimental to stock car racing.
*Penalty Breakdown*
– Drivers Ross Chastain, Austin Dillon, and Bubba Wallace have each been docked 50 driver points and fined $100,000 ¹.
– The owners of each team have also been fined $100,000 and deducted 50 owner points ¹.
– Crew chiefs Phil Surgen, Justin Alexander, and Bootie Barker, along with their respective spotters, have been suspended for the 2024 season finale at Phoenix Raceway ¹.
– Team executives Tony Lunders, Keith Rodden, and Dave Rogers have also been suspended for the 2024 finale at Phoenix [1).
Richard Childress Racing and 23XI Racing have announced plans to appeal the ruling ¹. The penalties have significant implications for the teams’ playoff hopes, particularly with the Championship 4 on the line.
The incident in question involved William Byron’s No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet being blocked by Chastain and Dillon’s Chevrolets, potentially altering the playoff standings ¹. NASCAR’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.
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