Two NASCAR Chevy teams – Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Trackhouse Racing – were nabbed for race manipulation at Martinsville on November 3rd, 2024. Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 Chevy Camaro ZL1, and Ross Chastain, driver of the No. 1 Camaro, were directed to block for fellow Bow Tie racer William Byron to help him secure a spot in the Championship 4. After reviewing the race and analyzing in-car radio transmissions, NASCAR determined that their actions violated the Rule Book, resulting in fines and points deductions for each team. Both teams announced intent to fight the penalties, but things just didn’t go their way.
Trackhouse Racing, fielding Ross Chastain’s No. 1 Camaro, appealed the penalty, though the Appeals Panel ultimately upheld NASCAR’s decision. Meanwhile, Richard Childress Racing dropped its appeal of penalties issued to Dillon before it reached the discussion phase. The ruling, confirmed in a report on NASCAR.com, came from a panel comprising Kelly Housby, Lyn St. James, and Steve York.
“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 panel said in a statement.
As a reminder, the NASCAR Chevy teams (and one Toyota team, 23XI Racing) violated Sections 4.4.B&D: NASCAR Member Conduct of the Rule Book, which refer to race manipulation and actions detrimental to stock-car racing. Each driver had 50 driver points deducted and was fined $100,000. Team owners were also fined $100,000 each and deducted 50 owner points.
In addition, crew chiefs Phil Surgen (No. 1 Chevy), Justin Alexander (No. 3 Chevy), and Bootie Barker (No. 23 Toyota) were suspended, as were their respective spotters, Brandon McReynolds, Brandon Benesch, and Freddie Kraft. Team executives Tony Lunders, Keith Rodden, and Dave Rogers were also suspended for a single race. None of these team members will join their teams for the season-ending race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10th.
Trackhouse Racing stated that it will not escalate its appeal to the Final Appeals Officer. Richard Childress Racing and 23XI will not appeal at all.
Comment
NASCAR is killing itself What would Bobby Donnie and Cale have done ? Settled this by the haulers or at turn 3.