During Sunday’s Grant Park 165 in Chicago, NASCAR stars Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch were among several drivers who faced significant penalties that impacted the race‘s outcome. The incident-packed street course event highlighted the critical enforcement of rules, resulting in 26 total penalties issued by NASCAR officials.
Hamlin NASCAR penalty Chicago became a focal point after the veteran driver was relegated to the rear of the field before the race due to an engine change following a practice blowout on Saturday. Meanwhile, Busch’s penalty, which came during the race, affected his position despite finishing fifth.
Shane van Gisbergen Secures Another Win Amidst Disruptions
Road course expert Shane van Gisbergen once again demonstrated his skill for Trackhouse Racing by capturing his second victory of the 2025 season on the demanding Chicago street circuit. The race tested drivers’ abilities with numerous incidents and penalties altering race strategies and finishing positions.
The competitive event marked the Cup Series’ third visit to the city streets, underscoring Chicago’s growing prominence in NASCAR’s calendar despite challenges during the event.
Details on Major Pre-Race and Race Penalties Affecting Leading Drivers
Denny Hamlin was among the first high-profile drivers penalized before the race began, sent to the back for an engine change after his car suffered a blowout in practice. Alongside Hamlin, nine other drivers were penalized pre-race for “unapproved adjustments.” This group notably included the full Hendrick Motorsports roster: Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman.
Kyle Busch was assessed a pass-through penalty during lap 38 for
“driving through more than three pit boxes,”
a violation that briefly hindered his run and demonstrated NASCAR’s strict pit lane enforcement. Busch’s penalty served as a reminder that even experienced, championship-winning drivers are not immune to the race officials‘ scrutiny.
Common Infractions and Their Impact on Race Outcomes
Among the most frequent violations were drivers pitting before pit road opened, with nine competitors, including Christopher Bell, penalized by being sent to the tail end of the field. Speeding on pit road was also a factor, with Bell cited for this infraction as well.
Other notable penalties involved an excessive number of crewmembers contacting the pit service area. Drivers such as Riley Herbst, Daniel Suarez, Josh Bilicki, Noah Gragson, and Ty Dillon faced penalties for this common breach, which added to the event’s tense atmosphere.
Comprehensive List of Penalties Issued at the Grant Park 165
The following table summarizes the infractions and penalties that NASCAR handed out during the Chicago race:
Pre-Race Infractions: Noah Gragson, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Ty Dillon, Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace, William Byron, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Alex Bowman, and Katherine Legge were all sent to the rear of the field for unapproved adjustments or engine changes before the green flag.
In-Race Penalties: Cole Custer, Austin Dillon, Riley Herbst, Daniel Suarez, Christopher Bell, Michael McDowell, Erik Jones, Josh Bilicki, Noah Gragson, Ty Dillon, Austin Cindric, and others were penalized for pitting before pit road opened, speeding on pit road, or having too many crewmembers in contact with their pit areas. The variety of infractions highlighted the difficulties drivers and teams faced in adhering to NASCAR’s precise regulations during a chaotic event.
Kyle Busch’s pivotal penalty came on lap 38 when he was required to make a pass-through penalty for driving through more than three pit boxes.
Race Officials Maintain Strict Oversight During a Contentious Event
The enforcement of these penalties underscored NASCAR’s commitment to fair competition and safety, particularly on a challenging street course like Chicago where pit road procedures are critical. These sanctions, while frustrating to some drivers and teams, reflect the complexity and exacting standards of NASCAR Cup Series racing.
As the season progresses, such regulatory adherence will likely continue to shape race outcomes, especially as drivers navigate the balance between aggressive tactics and rule compliance.
The penalties issued Sunday also have broader implications for the drivers‘ standings and team strategies in upcoming races, demanding heightened attention to pit road discipline and vehicle adjustments.
Penalties Amplify Tension Among Top Competitors on NASCAR Circuit
The high number of penalties at the Grant Park 165 has fueled conversations among drivers, teams, and analysts about race conduct and enforcement consistency. With prominent stars like Hamlin and Busch affected, the event’s regulatory decisions could influence rivalries and competitive dynamics going forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started his full-time career in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he has achieved an outstanding career. He has won 51 Cup Series races and secured three Daytona 500 championships in 2016, 2019, and 2020, earning millions in his journey.
Q. Why did Denny Hamlin sue NASCAR?
A. Last year, 23XI and Front Row Racing took legal action against NASCAR. They didn’t agree to new charter renewals, so they filed a lawsuit. They wanted a temporary court order to still be recognized as chartered teams this season. However, on Thursday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, sided with NASCAR.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. His career earnings, sponsorships, team ownership, and property investments have created a huge empire valued at $65 million.
Key to Hamlin’s Wealth:
✔ Huge NASCAR earnings from race wins and contracts.
✔ Long-term sponsorships with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. How is Denny Hamlin so rich?
A. Hamlin, originally from Chesterfield, Virginia, has transformed his racing success into a successful business empire.
His wealth doesn’t just come from race prizes. Sponsorships, a co-ownership in 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan, and endorsements are key parts of his financial success.
