Following the Enjoy Illinois 300 race at World Wide Technology Raceway last week, NASCAR issued a formal warning to Trackhouse Racing. This warning came after an unusual event during the cool-down lap involving drivers Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain, which caught the attention of the sport’s officials. The focus on this incident centers on possible rule violations that NASCAR intends to monitor closely moving forward.
During the cool-down lap after the race, van Gisbergen and Chastain drove their #1 and #88 Chevy Camaro ZL1 vehicles onto the grass. According to NASCAR’s managing director of communications, Mike Forde, the governing body officials found this behavior questionable. Brad Morgan, the managing director, emphasized that NASCAR will follow up directly with Trackhouse Racing to address the matter.
The controversy arose because this action created suspicions that the drivers might have attempted to alter the weight distribution of their cars before handing them over for official inspection. NASCAR reminded teams that rule 6421.b strictly prohibits any modifications or adjustments to cars once the checkered flag is waved, as all cars effectively fall under impound rules. These restrictions apply until the vehicles reach the inspection area, limiting any activity during pit roads or cool-down laps.
NASCAR spokesperson Mike Forde explained the situation and its gravity:
“We did not care for it, not one bit. We’re going to just remind teams this is something where we actually have a rule. I think we’re going to give (Trackhouse) a little bit of a warning. But there is a rule that says what they did — you could argue — broke a rule, and there could have been repercussions for it. But I think we’re going to allow the teams sort of a gimme here and say moving forward be aware that we are going to be looking at this.” —Mike Forde, NASCAR Managing Director of Communications
Shane van Gisbergen Responds to Doubts About His Championship Prospects
Earlier in August 2025, before the Cook Out Southern 500, Shane van Gisbergen spoke candidly in an interview with Racer.com about the criticism he faces as a championship contender. Since his first Cup Series races in 2023 with Trackhouse Racing, van Gisbergen has steadily built his presence in NASCAR, securing a full-time ride with the team in 2025 and demonstrating strong results.
Despite earning a playoff position and winning Rookie of the Year in 2025, van Gisbergen continues to contend with skeptics who doubt his ability to compete for the championship. Addressing this criticism, the New Zealand-based driver remarked:
“It doesn’t worry us. It puts no pressure on us, right? If we have a good week this week, it takes the next few harder. But if we have a tough week, it puts us in a hole, and it’s going to be hard to get out of it.” —Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
“Hopefully, it’ll be nice to prove people wrong,” he added. —Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Currently 14th in the Cup Series points standings with 2,039 points, van Gisbergen has recorded four wins, five top-ten finishes, four top-five placements, and three pole positions in 28 starts this season. His consistent performance under intense pressure reflects his determination to overcome doubts and solidify his championship contention.
Impact of NASCAR’s Warning on Trackhouse Racing and Future Scrutiny
The warning issued to Trackhouse Racing highlights NASCAR’s commitment to enforcing rules that preserve fair competition and uphold the integrity of the sport. By explicitly reminding teams about rule 6421.b, NASCAR signals its readiness to take stronger disciplinary actions if similar incidents occur again.
For Shane van Gisbergen and Trackhouse Racing, this warning serves as a cautionary moment amid an otherwise promising season. With championship hopes on the line, adherence to regulations will be critical to avoid penalties that could jeopardize their standing. The governing body’s vigilance ensures that drivers and teams maintain transparency during all stages of competition, especially during sensitive periods like post-race inspections.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on both van Gisbergen’s performance on the track and Trackhouse Racing’s compliance with NASCAR’s rules. The development of this controversy and its resolution may influence how NASCAR handles potential infractions in the future, alongside shaping the narrative around van Gisbergen’s quest for a championship.
