NASCAR Penalizes Teams in Race Manipulation Scandal

NASCAR has suspended nine individuals and issued $600,000 in fines due to race manipulation during the Martinsville Speedway race. The involved teams—23XI Racing, Richard Childress Racing, and Trackhouse Racing—were penalized after drivers like Bubba Wallace, Austin Dillon, and Ross Chastain took actions to influence the race's outcome. Specifically, Wallace allegedly feigned a flat tire to allow Christopher Bell to gain positions, while Dillon and Chastain blocked other drivers to secure William Byron's spot in the Championship 4. The penalties include loss of 50 driver and owner points, $100,000 fines for drivers and owners, and suspensions for crew chiefs and executives. Despite the penalties, teams plan to appeal, arguing against the accusations of race manipulation. NASCAR's actions aim to uphold the sport's integrity, with the organization planning to discuss these issues with manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, and Toyota.