NASCAR: Race Manipulation Results in $600,000 in Fines 

Image Courtesy of CBS News

By Angelina Splendido

While the 2024 National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) champion, Joey Logano, was announced on Sunday, November 10 of this year, the previous Sunday’s race left fans shocked. 

NASCAR hosted its last playoff round of eight on November 3 of this year at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, Virginia. This race would determine the final four drivers in the championship. Ryan Blaney, the defending winner of this race, won for a second consecutive time, and while his win was legal, other drivers on the track violated the rules. 

Going into the playoffs, William Byron, a driver for Hendrick Motorsports, was the only driver who could qualify for the championship for the manufacturer Chevrolet. Byron would have to keep his position during the race, and if he were passed by another car, he would not qualify. 

During the last few laps, Austin Dillon, a driver for Richard Childress Racing, and Ross Chastain, a driver for Trackhouse Racing, drove parallel to each other, right behind Byron’s bumper.

Their inability to pass Byron drew suspicion from fans, and their suspicions were confirmed when the radio transmissions were heard. These transmissions signaled to fans that the driving formation of Dillon and Chastain was part of a “plan.” Collaborations between teammates on the same team are acceptable, as each driver and team should perform to the best of their ability. However, Byron, Dillon, and Chastain were all on different teams with the same manufacturer and due to their difference in teams, this “plan” and formation were breaking the rules.

Additionally, Bubba Wallace, a driver for 23XI Racing, faked a flat tire. While faking a flat tire, he moved out of the way, which allowed Christopher Bell, a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, to hit the wall and gain an advantage. This dangerous move was banned in 2022 when Chastain used it to qualify for the last playoff spot. 

With the end of the race and the events that conspired during it, NASCAR reviewed the situations. In the end, NASCAR fined and suspended nine team members from three different teams: Trackhouse, Richard Childress Racing, and 23XI Racing. 

For Trackhouse, Ross Chastain and the overall team were both fined $100,000 and had 50 points deducted. Additionally, crew chief Phil Surgen, spotter Brandon McReynolds, and team executive Tony Lunders were each given a one -race suspension. 

For Richard Childress Racing,  Dillon and the team were also fined $100,000 and had 50 points deducted.  Crew chief Justin Alexander, spotter Brandon Benesch, and team executive Keith Rodden also received one-race suspensions. 

For 23XI, the fines and penalties mirror the other two teams.  Wallace and the team each were fined $100,000 and had 50 points deducted, and the team received a one-race suspension for crew chief Bootie Barker, spotter Freddie Kraft, and team executive Dave Rogers. 

Many of those involved expressed feelings of resentment. Dillon expressed his view that he was not attempting to aid Byron but was rather focused on himself and finishing strong. Meanwhile, Bell blames Chevrolet for his lack of contending for the championship and claims the race was fixed and manipulated. 
Regardless of feelings, NASCAR held firm in its rulings, marking a sour ending to the season for many.