Nascar has handed penalties out to three Cup Series teams following reviews of radio communications during the closing laps of last Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway.
The #3-car of Richard Childress Racing driven by Austin Dillon and the #1-car of Trackhouse Racing driven by Ross Chastain, both Chevrolets, drove side-by-side behind the #24-Chevrolet of William Byron for the final 25+ laps, keeping Byron from losing a spot he needed to reach this weekend’s final four race for a championship. Also, the #23-car of Bubba Wallace, owned by 23Xi Racing, and a Toyota, claimed to have a flat tire as the #20-Toyota driven by Christopher Bell, passed him for a spot that would have given him a shot at running for the championship this weekend, until Bell was cited for a “safety violation” for using the wall to assist his pass of Wallasce.
The teams and drivers were handed $100,000 fines, and lose 50 driver and owner points. Nascar also suspended for one race, the crew chiefs, spotters and key team executives from each.
This weekend’s championship Cup Series race can be heard on WBUT 1050am. 97.3fm and at wbut.com beginning at 2pm Sunday. Defending champion Ryan Blaney, two-time past champion Joey Logano, along with Tyler Reddick and Byron who are seeking their first Cup Series titles, will run for the championship.