Breaking news: NASCAR chief issues statement on QUADRUPLE…. read more

NASCAR chief issues statement on QUADRUPLE…. read more 

NASCAR has handed down a significant L1-level penalty to Chris Buescher and the No. 17 RFK Racing team after finding a rules violation during post-race inspection at Kansas Speedway. The penalty stems from NASCAR’s examination of Buescher’s car at their R&D Center, where it was discovered that the vehicle breached Sections 14.1.C and 14.5.4.G of the NASCAR Rule Book. These regulations pertain to the overall assembled vehicle rules and specifics regarding the front bumper cover.

As a result of the infraction, NASCAR has docked Buescher 60 championship points and five playoff points. RFK Racing was also penalized financially with a $75,000 fine. Additionally, crew chief Scott Graves has been suspended for two races, starting with the upcoming All-Star Race weekend.

NASCAR Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst and Managing Director Brad Moran discussed the penalty on the Hauler Talk podcast. Moran explained that while the team is permitted to work within a designated area behind the car’s foam in the nose section, RFK Racing exceeded those limits.

Moran clarified that the violation occurred in a part of the car that teams are allowed to reinforce due to prior issues with damage. He noted that NASCAR had previously given teams permission to strengthen this area to prevent excessive part usage. However, the modifications made by RFK Racing extended beyond the permitted 2-inch reinforcement zone, thereby breaking the rules.

Although some previous penalties for part modifications have fallen under the stricter L2 category, NASCAR determined that this violation did not reach that level. Moran emphasized that while the rule was clearly broken, the team’s intent appeared to be based on durability, not gaining a competitive advantage.

He explained that the infraction, though serious, did not include illegal parts or deliberate deception, which would have led to harsher consequences. “They can work in that area, but they went too far,” Moran stated simply.

The penalty marks a setback for Buescher and RFK Racing, especially in the playoff standings, as they now face a points deficit and the absence of their crew chief for two key races. Despite the infraction, NASCAR maintained a balanced stance in its enforcement, taking context and intent into account.