Following the dramatic conclusion of the Martinsville race last Sunday, NASCAR has harshly penalized three teams. The governing body has issued suspensions, fines, and point penalties to the No. 23 23XI Racing team, the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team, and the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing team, citing potential race manipulation.
The Penalties
After reviewing the radio communications during the race’s final laps, NASCAR has levied the following punishments:
23XI Racing
- $100,000 fine
- 50 driver and owner points were deducted.
- Crew chief Bootie Barker, spotter Freddie Kraft, and team executive Dave Rogers are suspended.
Trackhouse Racing
- $100,000 fine
- 50 driver and owner points were deducted.
- Crew chief Phil Surgen, spotter Brandon McReynolds, and team executive Tony Lunders are suspended.
Richard Childress Racing
- $100,000 fine
- 50 driver and owner points were deducted.
- The crew chief Justin Alexander, spotter Brandon Benesch, and team executive Keith Rodden are suspended.
What Happened?
The penalties stem from the closing laps of the Martinsville race, where the playoff picture was still in flux. Christopher Bell found himself trapped a lap down, unable to gain any positions, and on the brink of missing the Championship 4. Meanwhile, William Byron was fading near the front, with only a slim points advantage over Bell.
That’s when things got interesting. Austin Dillon in the No. 3 car and Ross Chastain in the No. 1 car started running side by side behind Byron, effectively creating a “rolling roadblock” and preventing anyone else from challenging the No. 24 car. At one point, Dillon’s team explicitly asked if Chastain’s group knew “the deal.”
As this was unfolding, Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 car was running ahead of the struggling Bell. Wallace suddenly reported a potential tire issue and began drastically slowing down, ultimately allowing Bell to catch and pass him on the final lap. This gave Bell the crucial point he needed to secure the fourth championship—for a span of 27 minutes, that is.
The Aftermath
NASCAR determined that these actions constituted “potential race manipulation,” violating sections of the rulebook related to attempts to influence the outcome of a race. The suspensions, fines, and point deductions were the series’ response.
All three teams have announced plans to appeal the penalties. 23XI Racing said they “feel strongly that we did not commit any violations” and will fight the ruling. The other teams have not yet commented publicly.
What’s Next?
This controversy has undoubtedly shaken up the playoff picture ahead of the championship race in Phoenix. The loss of 50 points drops Dillon from 28th to 33rd in the standings, while Wallace and Chastain remain in playoff position despite the penalties.
All eyes will be focused on the unfolding drama and the validity of the penalties as the teams prepare their appeals. One thing is certain: NASCAR has sent a strong message that it will not tolerate any attempts to manipulate the outcome of its races.
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