NASCAR to add rule in 2025 that allows penalizing manufacturers
NASCAR confirmed a rule will be added ahead of the 2025 season that allows the sanctioning body to penalize the manufacturers.
No such action was taken — because there couldn’t be given the current rules — this week in the fallout from last weekend’s elimination race at Martinsville Speedway. NASCAR penalized three teams for what was determined to be race manipulation in helping manufacturer teammates try to advance to the Championship 4.
“We do have rules in the rule book where we can address it and we did,” NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell said. “We had a call with our OEMs where we were very clear about our intentions going forward. Do we have a rule right now where we could do something? We don’t. Will we have a rule next year? 1,000%. And they’re aware if anything happens this weekend, which it won’t, we will react.”
Chevrolet drivers Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon did not attempt to pass William Byron in the final stint of the event at Martinsville. The two also ran side-by-side at points, which blocked oncoming challengers. And there was radio communication indicating a “plan” among the manufacturer to help its championship contenders.
Chevrolet drivers Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon did not attempt to pass William Byron in the final stint of the event at Martinsville. The two also ran side-by-side at points, which blocked oncoming challengers. And there was radio communication indicating a “plan” among the manufacturer to help its championship contenders.
Bubba Wallace and Toyota were also involved. Wallace slowed on the final lap and was passed by Christopher Bell, who needed one position to tie Byron for the final Championship 4 spot. Bell had the tiebreaker over Byron.
Byron received the final spot after NASCAR reviewed the finish. However, Bell’s penalty was for riding against the wall in Turns 3 and 4.
“I would argue before what we saw (it was) one of the best races we’ve seen in the playoffs, and it’s unbelievable that we’re sitting here talking about this topic,” O’Donnell said Friday in his State of the Sport address. “I’ll probably get in trouble for saying this, but I’ll say it anyway. I’ve been around a long time. But Bill France used to say being pissed off is not a plan.
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