NASCAR Penalizes Chris Buescher 60 Points, Suspends Crew Chief

Chris Buescher and his RFK Racing team were penalized by NASCAR following a post-race inspection at Kansas Speedway, which found illegal reinforcement on the front bumper cover of his No. 17 Ford Mustang. The team was docked 60 driver and owner points, lost five playoff points, fined $75,000, and crew chief Scott Graves was suspended for two races, including the upcoming All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro and the Charlotte Motor Speedway event. As a result, Buescher dropped from 12th to 24th (or 26th in some reports) in the driver standings, falling below the playoff cut-line and facing a significant setback in his pursuit of a first win this season. RFK Racing has acknowledged the penalties and is reviewing the situation to decide whether to appeal. Veteran crew chief Doug Randolph will serve as Buescher's replacement for the suspended Graves during the next two races. The infraction centered on violations of NASCAR rules regarding the allowable materials and reinforcement for front bumpers, with NASCAR citing sections 14.1.C and 14.5.4.G of the rulebook.