In 2022, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, both racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, appeared poised to claim a sweep at Pocono Raceway after leading the majority of laps. What initially seemed like a flawless day for the team abruptly changed when NASCAR officials disqualified both drivers post-race due to violations involving the vehicles’ front fascia. This decision marked a significant moment in the sport, with the Kyle Busch NASCAR disqualification controversy captivating fans and experts alike.
The infraction centered on unauthorized material applied to the cars’ front fascia, a breach of NASCAR’s strict aerodynamic rules. NASCAR Managing Director Brad Moran elaborated on the matter:
There was some issues discovered that affect aero of the vehicle. The part was the front fascia. And there was no reason why there was some material that was somewhere that it shouldn’t have been, and that does basically come down to a DQ.
The penalty was severe despite being caused by a seemingly minor addition—a small piece of tape—yet it was critical enough to invalidate both top finishers. Consequently, Chase Elliott, who had originally finished third, was declared the official winner of the M&M’s Fan Appreciation 400. This event marked the first time since 1960 a Cup Series winner was disqualified after a race completion.
Technical Details Behind the Disqualification Decision
NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, Scott Miller, provided further insight regarding the violation’s specifics. The breach involved an added vinyl piece on the lower fascia that altered the car’s approved design:
It was on the lower fascia, an extra piece of vinyl that in effect deviated the part from the approved CAD files. That’s what it was.
The rules for the 2022 season were particularly stringent due to the introduction of the Next Gen car, which featured standardized parts primarily supplied by a single vendor. This system was intended to create parity, but it also meant any unauthorized modification, however small, was subject to harsh penalties.
Fan Reactions and Lasting Impact of the Pocono Incident
The fallout from the disqualifications was immediate and intense, sparking widespread discussion among NASCAR followers. Many fans remarked on forums and social media, recalling the day as unforgettable. One Reddit user humorously commented on the scandal with the phrase Cheetin yoddas. targeting the caught infringement by the JGR team.
Not all viewers met the incident with frustration. One fan disclosed how they benefited financially despite the surprise outcome:
I bet $20 on Hamlin that day, I was listening to SXM on the road when I heard he was DQ’ed and went right to Draft Kings to cash out. They still honored that win at least and got my payout.
Beyond fan reactions, the disqualification left a lasting mark on NASCAR’s competitive narrative. While Denny Hamlin remains a staple at Joe Gibbs Racing and has expanded his involvement by co-owning 23XI Racing, Kyle Busch transitioned to Richard Childress Racing. Despite their ongoing careers, the events at Pocono serve as a reminder that race results remain provisional until official post-race inspections are completed.
This extraordinary disqualification continues to resonate as one of the most unusual rulings in recent NASCAR history, emphasizing the sport’s rigorous enforcement of technical regulations.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where will Kyle Busch go in 2026?
A. Kyle Busch will keep racing the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing until the end of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. He and RCR shared this news on Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.
Q. Will Kyle Busch retire?
A. Kyle Busch announced he is not considering retirement and has signed a new contract with Richard Childress Racing until 2026. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner mentioned he wants to eventually compete with his son Brexton in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which he expects to happen in about six years.
