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Spoiler violations cost Logano and Preece top finishes as NASCAR enforces rules with public display of illegal parts at Texas Motor Speedway
NASCAR has taken a firm stance on recent rule violations by publicly displaying illegal car parts belonging to drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Preece at Texas Motor Speedway. This move follows their disqualifications from the Talladega race last weekend, where both cars failed post-race inspections.
Joey Logano, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, originally crossed the line in 5th place, while Ryan Preece finished 2nd. However, both drivers had their results stripped after NASCAR officials discovered technical irregularities involving their rear spoilers. As a result, the No. 22 car driven by Logano and the No. 60 car driven by Preece were disqualified.
According to NASCAR’s official report, Logano’s Ford was found to be in violation of two key rules: Section 14.5.8.E, which pertains to spoiler braces on superspeedway tracks, and Section 14.1.P under General Vehicle Assembly. The inspection revealed that parts of the spoiler assembly on the No. 22 car were not properly secured, with a key component—specifically a fastener—missing.
NASCAR Cup Series managing director Brad Moran addressed the media in Texas, standing beside the disqualified parts. He emphasized that all components in the spoiler brace assembly, including bolts, nuts, washers, and lock nuts, must be properly installed and secure during a race.
“First of all, all fasteners need to be fastened and secure at all times during an event,” Moran stated. “That’s one problem. The second issue is that the brace assembly must be complete. In Logano’s case, something was missing, which is a clear violation. Even if it was an oversight, intent doesn’t factor into the decision. On superspeedways, we pay extra attention to spoiler deflection, and even a loose nut can impact performance.”
As for Preece, the issue involved unauthorized components in the rear spoiler area. NASCAR rules permit only two shims in the spoiler at superspeedways. These must run the entire length and can be no more than 0.050 inches thick. Preece’s car met those specifications but included a third shim, which was unapproved and illegal.
“They’re allowed two shims maximum, and they must go the entire distance,” Moran explained. “The ones in the No. 60 car were legal in size, but a third shim was discovered. That’s a black-and-white violation.”
Despite the significance of the penalties, neither Team Penske (Logano’s team) nor Richard Childress Racing (which fields Preece) filed appeals, effectively accepting NASCAR’s ruling.
Moran concluded by reiterating NASCAR’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field: “It’s unfortunate. Both the No. 22 and No. 60 had great races. But it’s our job to ensure fairness. Everyone in the garage knows the rules, and when those rules are broken, we must act.”
By showcasing the illegal parts at Texas, NASCAR aims to send a clear message about enforcement and transparency in the sport. The organization remains steadfast in upholding regulations to maintain competitive integrity across the field.
