NASCAR announced new rules ahead of the 2025 racing season that now allow the sanctioning body to impose penalties on participating original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for “improper influence.” In other words, if a manufacturer is determined to have encouraged the manipulation of a racing event, NASCAR can penalize it for doing so.
According to a report from NASCAR.com, the new rules were codified in early February ahead of the season-opening Daytona 500. The penalty structure is covered under the new Section 10.5.2.8.c of the NASCAR Rule Book, which states, “NASCAR reserves the right to determine if an OEM has violated the NASCAR Rule Book and may impose penalties on the OEM or its representatives accordingly. The following framework serves as a general guideline for assessing OEM penalties. The examples provided are illustrative and not exhaustive, offering clarity on the types and ranges of infractions that may result in penalties, should NASCAR determine enforcement is warranted.”
Offending OEMs may be subject to the loss of 25-50 manufacturer points; the loss of 30-60 hours of wind tunnel testing; the loss of 250-500 restricted computational fluid dynamics (RCFD) runs; and/or the loss of 2-4 vehicle tests. NASCAR notes that penalties may be more severe than the ones outlined if the sanctioning body deems it necessary.
In addition, Section 5.5.A was updated to include new language. Specifically, it states “Any member who attempts to improperly influence the outcome of the event or encourages, persuades, or induces others to do so shall be subject to penalties, as outlined in Section 10 Violations and Disciplinary Action. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to, intentional planning or conduct that prioritizes objectives other than achieving the best possible competitive result for their team.”
These changes are a direct response to last year’s fall Martinsville race during which three Chevy drivers, including the No. 1 Chevy Camaro ZL1 of Ross Chastain and the No. 3 Camaro of Austin Dillon, manipulated the race in favor of fellow Bow Tie racer, William Byron.
Chevy driver Shane Van Gisbergen was also explicitly instructed to race a Ford competitor unfairly at Martinsville, although to his credit, he did not follow through. His spotter told him, “Now don’t forget what the 12 [Ford Mustang] did to you earlier, all right? That’s a message from Chevrolet.”
Comments
“Chevy driver Shane Van Gisbergen was also explicitly instructed to race a Ford competitor unfairly at Martinsville, although to his credit, he did not follow through.” Unfairly? You race them like they race you. Period.
So a lapped car interfering with the leaders should be allowed just because Chevy told em to? Glad you’re not an official
NASCAR is a “JOKE”
The difference is whether the driver makes the decision OR is told by the OEM to make a “pay back” move. In case you haven’t noticed, each driver has their own morals that they have to live with and Shane Van Gisbergen did what he felt was right.
it.s a real shame what has happened to Nascar i don.t even waiste my tv on it anymore after Dale Earhardt got killed and all of good decent Drivers have hung it up these what ever their called now im done .
I honestly can’t tell if comments like this are serious, but if you’re a troll, spot on, brother
I’m sure that the O.E.M.’s had to approve the new rule before it was imposed upon them…
Has Mary got shares in NASCAR?
If Mary buys NASCAR the cars can be all electric. Wouldn’t that be so nice. NASCAR goes green 💚. Fabulous.