NASCAR strips Austin Dillon’s automatic playoff berth after controversial Richmond win
Austin Dillon would able to keep his Richmond race win, but won’t be able to reap the rewards of it because of the penalty.
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Austin Dillon (Via IMAGO)
NASCAR Cup Series return after the extended Olympics break saw chaos, as Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon, who was desperate for a race win, wrecked race leaders Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final corner in overtime for the win at Richmond. Many fans and drivers in the community has been demanding stern action from the sanctioning body over the incident.
Now NASCAR has released the Richmond weekend penalty report, a day later due to extended deliberation and has announced the penalties for Austin Dillon. The No:3 Chevy driver is stripped off his automatic playoff berth and will also lose 25 drivers and owners’ points. His spotter would be suspended for three weeks, but he would be allowed to keep the race win.
NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer explained why the decision was made by the sanctioning body. He asserted that to protect the integrity of the sport and the playoff system, they had to make this unique call. They also wants to send a message that the incident crosses the line.
The No. 1 thing is that we want to make sure that we are protecting the integrity of our playoffs as well as our championship when we get to [the final race at] Phoenix.Elton Sawyer said via Fox Sports.
Joey Logano is fined for his pit-road attics as week
Another driver named in the penalty report was Joey Logano of Team Penske Racing. The No:22 driver would have to pay whopping $50,000 for his actions on the pit-road that, made it unsafe for NASCAR officials and crew.
After coming into the pit showed his frustration with the No:3 crew by revving up his engine before them. But by doing this he puts the safety of the crowd at risk, which featured NASCAR officials, crews and the family of Dillon including his child.
While Logano won’t be appealing the decision, as there is not much arguments that is in his favor, Dillon would. The RCR team will do everything possible to secure the playoff spot they lost as they did everything for the win because it gives that opportunity.
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Justin P Joy
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