Austin Dillon Playoff Eligibility Rescinded After Wrecking Logano, Hamlin At Richmond
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Austin Dillon, driver of the No. NASCAR Chevy Camaro ZL1, has been penalized after his polarizing actions to win at Richmond on August 11th, 2024. Dillon intentionally moved Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, and Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 Toyota TRD Camry, out of the way on the last lap, wrecking both drivers on his way to the checkered flag. However, that win will not count toward Playoff eligibility, meaning that Dillon will not retain his automatic pass to the postseason championship grid.
As per the penalty report posted on NASCAR.com, officials reviewed footage of the final lap at Richmond and determined that Dillon’s actions violated the NASCAR Rule Book. Specifically, he was found to be in violation of Section 12.3.2.1.b, which refers to Playoff eligibility: “Race finishes must be unencumbered by violation(s) of the NASCAR Rules or other action(s) detrimental to stock car auto racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.”
Thus, Dillon’s victory stands, but his Playoff berth was revoked. Additionally, Dillon and the No. 3 team were also docked 25 points in both the drivers’ and owners standings. This places Dillon 31st in points, down from 26th after Sunday’s race. The decision to revoke Dillon’s Playoff eligibility also extends to the drivers’ and owners’ championships.
Dillon’s spotter, Brandon Benesch, has also been suspended for three races after instructing Dillon to “wreck him” over the radio while racing Hamlin on the last lap.
“I think in all due respect to the appeal process, we looked at this and the totality of everything that happened as you enter Turn 3 and as the cars got to the start/finish line,” said Elton Sawyer, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “So, as we look through all of that data, we came to the conclusion that a line had been crossed. Our sport has been based going for many, many years, forever, on good, hard racing. Contact has been acceptable. We felt like, in this case, that the line was crossed.”
Logano, meanwhile, was fined $50,000 for his actions after the race. Logano spun the tires of his No. 22 Mustang in front of Dillon’s crew and family on Pit Road, violating NASCAR’s code of conduct and endangering the safety of others.
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Stenhouse got fined 75k for punching Kyle Busch who”Wrecked” him and Logano is find 50k for placing like a dozen people at risk with a race car. Including infants! Where do they come up with these penalties? Hope they are consistent going forward with this wreck the leader crap. Doubt it.
I thought the number 3 was supposed to be retired.
Dillon has driven the No. 3 since 2014.
Pop Pop not proud now.
Earnhardt Sr. used to move competitors out of his way to sim but he could move/intimidate them usually without wrecking them. But he was the fan favorite so his moves were celebrated.
Well, Dale Sr. really wasn’t a fan favorite at the time… people didn’t like it when he did it, either.
How about getting rid of these constant pop-up videos that are uncalled for which blocks 25% on what we are trying to read!
Tomg
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They better start looking at both the #11 & #22. the cry babies.
Austin Dillon sucks! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Both Danny and Lagano have done the same to win a race !!
If NASCAR wants to clean it all up, they will have to outlaw “slide job” passes as well. The people want to see hard racing and the ensuing wrecks. I can remember as a kid watching A. J. Foyt race with the attitude of..”if I can’t win, then nobody will win”.
What a bunch of BS! When the 22 wrecked Marrin Trues Jr. at Martinsville to advance in the playoffs, NASCAR didn’t do a damn thing. I guess if you drive a Ford you get a free pass. What else could it be?