NASCAR, which typically releases penalties on Tuesday, waited one more day to do so after a dramatic finish at Richmond. In an unforeseen move by NASCAR, Austin Dillon had his automatic playoff bid revoked, was fined 25 driver and owner points, and saw his spotter, Brandon Benesch, suspended for the next three races.
Sunday’s Cook Out 400 saw a controversial finish for the ages. In route to his first win this season, Austin Dillon, in overtime, wrecked both Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano, entering and exiting the final turn on the last lap of the race. Dillon’s win was all the more controversial after in-car audio revealed his spotter, Brandon Benesch, exclaiming, “Wreck him!”.
This was a source of anger for many fans, as this could be viewed as a team order. Childress, in a post-race press conference, initially denied the occurrence. Only acknowledging the event upon being shown footage and audio.
Dillon, who many fans and drivers called for NASCAR to show retaliation towards, will see a penalty, an unprecedented one at that. This ruling is concurrent with past NASCAR rulings, including last season when Chase Elliott intentionally wrecked Denny Hamlin, resulting in Elliott’s suspension.
Dillon had his automatic playoff bid revoked, 25 driver and owner points revoked, and a three-race suspension for his spotter.
This long-anticipated announcement comes after days of speculation and demands from fans and drivers. Denny Hamlin, who was involved in the incident, claimed on his podcast, Actions Detrimental, that NASCAR had to penalize Dillon for the integrity of the sport. Be that a points deduction, disqualification, or financial burden.
While many fans claim this is just a racing incident, many see it as a clear and cruel act. Nevertheless, the summer Richmond race of 2024 will be remembered for years to come.
RCR via X announced that they plan to appeal the dramatic penalties from NASCAR. This appeal is a move many expected as the penalties have changed the outlook for RCR’s entire season.
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