Following the Kansas race weekend, Chris Buescher and the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford team faced a significant penalty due to a violation involving the car’s bumper cover. The reduction of the penalty by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel has important implications for Buescher’s position in the NASCAR standings as he aims to advance in the playoffs.
Details of the Penalty and Violations Identified
The penalty stemmed from a NASCAR rule regarding the front bumper cover, which states that the front fascia may only be reinforced on its inner surface with bonded non-metallic materials within certain limits. The RFK Racing team exceeded this allowed reinforcement area after the car was inspected at the NASCAR R&D Center.
Initially, NASCAR imposed a harsh punishment: a loss of 60 driver and owner points, a deduction of five playoff points, a $75,000 fine, and a two-race suspension for crew chief Scott Graves. However, the appeals panel reviewed these penalties and found that while the team violated Section 14.5.4 of the NASCAR Rule Book concerning the front bumper cover, NASCAR’s claim that the team also violated Section 14.1.2 about the exhaust cover panel was unproven.
Reduction of Points Penalty and Impact on Standings
As a result, the appeals panel reduced the points penalty from 60 to 30 points. This change has a significant impact given the close competition in the championship; Chris Buescher moved from 23rd to 16th in the regular season standings after the penalty adjustment.
The National Motorsports Appeals Panel, consisting of Tom DeLoach, Cary Tharrington, and Kevin Whitaker, explained their reasoning in their decision:
“The panel concluded that NASCAR met its burden of proof regarding the reinforcement of the front bumper cover but did not meet it regarding the trimming of the exhaust panel cover. The rule book regarding the exhaust panel trimming lacked specificity on the amount trimmed or not trimmed. Accordingly, the Panel reduced the owner and driver points penalty from 60 to 30 points.”
—National Motorsports Appeals Panel
RFK Racing’s Response and Next Steps
RFK Racing expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting their commitment to fully abiding by NASCAR regulations. They look ahead to upcoming events with optimism, particularly focusing on the next race in Nashville. In a statement reacting to the appeals panel decision, the team said:
“We appreciate the opportunity to present our case to the National Motorsports Appeals Panel today and are pleased that the Panel overturned one of the two assessed penalties. Our goal is to always comply fully with the letter of the NASCAR Rule Book, and our focus is now looking forward to competing for a win in Nashville this weekend.”
—RFK Racing
This reduction in penalty not only improves Chris Buescher’s championship chances but also restores some momentum for the No. 17 team as they head into the critical final stretch of the NASCAR season.
