NMAP Upholds Penalties

It has been a tumultuous week for three NASCAR Cup Series teams after NASCAR levied some major penalties that resulted in Over half a million dollars in fines and nine suspensions.

Initially, Richard Childress Racing, Trackhouse Racing, and 23XI Racing all appealed the penalties.

Scheduled for a hearing on Thursday before the National Motorsports Appeals Panel – just three days before the final race of the season.  On Wednesday, 23XI withdrew their appeal, choosing instead to concentrate on their championship four driver Tyler Reddick.  Before the hearing, Richar Childress Racing also chose not to go through with the appeal.

However, Trackhouse Racing chose to appeal the penalty, which was upheld by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.  In a statement issued by the NMAP, “we feel in the best interest of racing and to protect the integrity of the sport, it was appropriate to uphold and affirm NASCAR’s decision with regard to the NASCAR rule 4.4, attempting to manipulate the outcome of the race.”

The penalties result from two separate on track incidents – one with Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon and one involving Christopher Bell and Bubba Wallace.

NASCAR said that Chastain and Dillon joined forces to “block” other drivers from passing William Byron who was just one point above the cut line to make it in the championship four.  While William Byron and the 24 team escaped any penalty, NASCAR determined that Chastain and Dillon attempted to manipulate the outcome of the race which is a violation of the NASCAR rule book Member Conduct Code.

On the final lap of the race, Bubba Wallace reported that he had a tire going down and slowed down on the track.  In 19^th place one lap down, Christopher Bell attempted to pass Wallace and hit the wall in what NASCAR deemed a “Hail Melon” type move, which is no longer allowed.  Bell advanced a spot and came up even with Byron in the point standings.  The tie-breaker went to Bell; however, citing Bell with a safety violation, Bell was dropped to 22^nd and Bryon was awarded the final championship four spot.

23XI, Trackhouse, and RCR; along with Wallace, Chastain, and Dillon were all fined $100,000 and docked 50 points.  The crew chiefs, spotters, and an executive from the teams were suspended.