NASCAR Suspends Several Team Members Involved in Martinsville Controversy

What’s Happening?

Following the NASCAR Round of Eight cutoff race at Martinsville, NASCAR has suspended the Executives, Spotters, and Crew Chiefs of three NASCAR Cup Series teams. This follows accusations of race manipulation in association with team’s manufacturers to get two different drivers into the playoffs.

• Late in the race Sunday evening, William Byron and Christopher Bell were battling for the final transfer spot to the Championship Four at Phoenix. With a little help from teams carrying the same manufacturer as the two, both were given a chance to make it.
• While this is a significant penalty for these teams, it may not stop the bleeding. Notably, no manufacturer was fined Manufacturer Points, something many have stated would have some effect on their actions.
• The proof that NASCAR has for these actions is the many radio communications between teams. Most of these are incriminating and show how much collaboration went into what happened, even if it didn’t go as planned for either side.
• As of press time, 23XI, Trackhouse Racing and RCR will appeal the penalties.

Toyota

• For Bell, his Toyota teammate Bubba Wallace appeared to be loose late in the race, slipping back slowly before finally losing it in turns three and four of the final lap, allowing Bell to pass him, ride off the wall, and to the finish. Bell needed one spot to pass Byron in points and did so on this move before his wall ride eliminated him from the playoffs.

Suspensions for the No. 23

• Crew Chief Robert (Bootie) Barker is suspended from the next race.
• Spotter Freddie Kraft is suspended from the next race.
• 23XI Senior Director of Competition Dave Rogers is suspended from the next race.
• The team and driver were fined $100,000 and 50 points.

Chevrolet

• While Bubba fell to the back of the pack to help his Toyota teammate, William Byron, needing not to lose a single spot, had a blockade from Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon. Both the No. 1 and No. 3 ran side by side behind Byron clogging up the track while refusing to passing the No. 24.

Suspensions for the No. 1

• Crew Chief Philip Surgen is suspended from the next race.
• Spotter Brandon McReynolds is suspended from the next race.
• COO of Trackhouse Racing Tony Lunders is suspended from the next race.
• The team and driver were fined $100,000 and 50 points.

Suspensions for the No. 3

• Crew Chief Justin Alexander is suspended from the next race.
• Spotter Brandon Benesch is suspended from the next race.
• Interim Competition Director of RCR Keith Rodden is suspended from the next race.
• The team and driver were fined $100,000 and 50 points.

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