NASCAR Faces Backlash Over Damaged Vehicle Policy

NASCAR is facing backlash for inconsistent enforcement of its Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP) following the YellaWood 500, where 28 cars were involved in a significant crash. Officials allowed several drivers, including playoff contenders Chase Elliott and Chase Briscoe, to be towed to the pits for repairs, a move that some believe contradicts the DVP which states that drivers must be able to drive their cars to the pit lane to continue racing. Critics argue that this preferential treatment raises questions about fairness, especially after other drivers, like Josh Berry, were disqualified from races under similar circumstances. NASCAR's Senior VP of Competition, Elton Sawyer, defended the decision, insisting the policy hasn't changed and that adjustments could be made in the offseason. Elliott himself has called for a reconsideration of the points awarded, indicating that some drivers who finished ahead did not meet the DVP's minimum speed requirements. The controversy has sparked widespread discussion among fans and analysts regarding potential biases in NASCAR's rulings.