Final appeals officer upholds NASCAR punishments for Austin Dillon’s Richmond incident
The sanctions for Austin Dillon of Richard Childress Racing have been sustained, despite the fact that he filed a second and final appeal. Dillon’s victory at Richmond cost him a 25-point penalty and his playoff eligibility, which NASCAR has since removed.
A few weeks ago, Austin Dillon had an amazing night in Richmond. He got practically everything correctly. He gives Joey Logano the toughest “bump” and run of his life in the last two corners of the race. Next, he swung Denny Hamlin into the wall.
NASCAR believed he had crossed a boundary. The way the victory was gained was bad for stock car racing. Dillon’s penalties were upheld by a three-person panel of the National Motorsports Appeals Panel last week.
Langley Speedway owner Bill Mullis, the last appeals officer, affirmed the punishment in a final verdict this week.
Mullis arrived at his judgment by utilizing SMT Data in conjunction with other relevant criteria.
“The data presented today from SMT and IDAS systems indicate that more likely than not a rule violation did occur at Richmond Raceway on 8-11-24 by the No. 3 RCR car on the last lap of the race. (Rule 12.3.2.1.B Eligibility, race finishes must be unencumbered by violations of the NASCAR rules or other actions detrimental to stock car auto racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.)” The FAO explained in reaching the aforementioned decision.
In the season standings, Austin Dillon is ranked 29th. Although it does not qualify for playoff eligibility, he has an official win. He has led 35 laps overall this season, with three top-10 finishes and three DNFs.
Austin Dillon’s last appeal is denied.
At this point, winning at Darlington is the only way Austin Dillon will be included in the 16-driver playoff field. There is just one race left to complete the task, and that is it. Richmond was a huge occasion, but their last-lap shenanigans took it all away.
Kyle Busch, Dillon’s teammate, found himself in a same circumstance this week. Busch needed to win in order to qualify for the NASCAR Playoffs when it came down to it with Harrison Burton at Daytona. How did he act? Not only did he not damage a single driver, but he also raced to the line spotless.
NASCAR used Austin Dillon as a stick. It was the appropriate decision, based on all of the feedback from drivers, owners, and many fans. The title is down to a pinball move off of two other cars to the line, and nobody is attempting to see Phoenix.
This was not an easy choice to make. NASCAR is aware that this establishes a rule. It appears that the other drivers are aware of this as well.
