Dale Earnhardt Jr. claims NASCAR did the right thing fining Joey Logano $50K for “hairier or crazier” pit-drama at Richmond

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has praised NASCAR for making the right call by penalizing Joey Logano for his pit-road action after Richmond loss.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. claims NASCAR did the right thing fining Joey Logano $50K for “hairier or crazier” pit-drama at Richmond

Joey Logano and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

The 2024 NASCAR Cup season returned with a controversial finish and some post-race drama at Richmond, following the Olympics break. Austin Dillon won the Cook Out 400 wrecking Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin. The RCR driver paid the price for the actions as his automatic playoff berth was rescinded.

Joey Logano, who was furious at Ausin Dillon, revved hi engine before the No:3 Crew on the live pit-road causing a dangerous situation. NASCAR didn’t like the antics of the two times Cup champion and fined him $50,000. Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. asserted via his podcast that the crazy action deserves the fine.

YouTube video
Joey Logano was also fined for what we saw of his actions on pit road, $50,000. As far as I remember that’s pretty standard for that kind of action. Although I thought his activity on pit road was a little hairier or crazier than what I’ve seen in the past.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.

Junior admitted that though the pit-road shouldn’t have been crowded as it was, causing people to have mixed emotions about the ruling, NASCAR did the right thing. He believes the action deserved to get attention as it shouldn’t be happening regardless of the emotional state of the drivers.  

FS Video
But I also know that pit road probably shouldn’t have been that busy as far as individuals walking around, running around. So, you know if you feel like that’s fair, some might think that’s a little bit light. But NASCAR did the right thing at least by getting Joey’s attention for what he did.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
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NASCAR legend Mark Martin gave his verdict on the penalty

In the same podcast, Junior talked to Hall of Famer Mark Martin and asked his to share his opinion on the actions from Logano, who he is very close to. He admitted that though the fine it bit excessive, the situation demanded it.

Mark Martin
Mark Martin Hall of Fame speech 
But, you know, it's pretty excessive. And so, thinking about having an excessive penalty for something like this, is it going to deter it in the future? You know, a fifty thousand dollar fine for what he did…he shouldn't have done it; he should have known better.
Joey Logano said.

The Team Penske driver most probably would agree with the statement from his mentor and admit that what he did was unsafe. It would be interesting to see how he would respond to situation amidst all the chaos around the Richmond race finish.

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