On Tuesday night NASCAR announced the results of an investigation into Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway.
Following the investigation, NASCAR announced penalties for three different teams after they were found guilty of race manipulation during the Round of 8 elimination race over the weekend.
“After an investigation of the on-track data and team scanners from the final laps of Sunday’s Round of 8 elimination race, NASCAR determined the actions of those involved violated sections 4.4.B&D: NASCAR Member Conduct of the Rule Book, which include race manipulation and actions detrimental to stock car racing,” a statement from NASCAR read.
Bubba Wallace before the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.
Bubba Wallace before the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.
NASCAR announce three drivers, Ross Chastain, Austin Dillon and Bubba Wallace were all hit with a 50-driver point deduction and a fine of $100,000 each. The owners of all three teams were also fined $100,000 and deducted 50 owner points.
The racing federation explained the decision:
In the late stages of last weekend’s 500-lap race, William Byron’s No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet began to fade from the front of the field, which led to a series of on-track events that eventually resulted in Tuesday’s penalties.
Every spot lost dropped Byron closer to the elimination line, and he settled into sixth place on the track, just one point ahead of Christopher Bell in the provisional playoff standings and in position to advance to the Championship 4. Bell was running in 19th place at the time, the first car one lap down.
As Ryan Blaney pulled away for his Championship 4-clinching win, the Chevrolets of Chastain and Dillon effectively created a blockade behind Byron, both running side-by-side and not passing the No. 24 car over the final 10 laps. Completed passes by those cars may have dropped Byron out of the Championship 4.
Elsewhere on track, Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota slowed significantly over the final five laps, eventually getting lapped by Blaney. On the final lap, Bell surged past the slowing Wallace entering Turn 3, slid through the rubber marbles on the track and rode his car along the outside retaining wall coming to the checkered flag in 18th place.
All three racing teams reportedly plan to appeal the decision from NASCAR.
