NASCAR Penalizes Buescher, RFK for Rule Violation

NASCAR issued a significant L1-level penalty to Chris Buescher and the No. 17 RFK Racing team after their car exceeded the permitted reinforcement on the front bumper cover, violating Sections 14.1.C and 14.5.4.G of the NASCAR Rule Book, which restrict bumper reinforcement to two inches beyond the foam. The violations were found during post-race inspection at the Kansas Speedway R&D Center. As a result, Buescher and the team lost 60 driver and owner points each, five playoff points, and received a $75,000 fine, while crew chief Scott Graves was suspended for two races, including the All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600. The penalty drops Buescher from 12th to between 24th and 28th in the driver standings, leaving him well outside playoff contention and likely needing a win to qualify for the postseason. The playoff standings were also affected, with Ryan Preece moving into the provisional final playoff spot. There is no immediate word on whether RFK Racing will appeal the penalty.