NASCAR handed down a massive penalty to Hendrick Motorsports that included 100 driver/owner points, 10 playoff points, a four-race crew-chief suspension, and $100,000 to each car only to have the points given back to Hendrick Motorsports by the Appeals Panel.
Now, NASCAR faces an even bigger problem and it should not be blamed on them as the right thing was done.
NASCAR garage angry, confused as Hendrick Motorsports gains back points
Hendrick Motorsports took two massive victories last week as it received its points back following the appeal and Kyle Larson won the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond Raceway. It could not have been any better for the team; however, the rest of the garage sees it differently.
The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi released a story on April 1 that revealed the thoughts of many people within the NASCAR garage. It is safe to say that no one was happy with the decision and it left them more confused than anything.
Some crew chiefs and competition directors were confused about why Hendrick Motorsports could receive their points back while still being punished with fines and suspensions. Other crew chiefs said they would easily take the four-week suspension and fine with no points penalty.
In the words of a crew chief from Bianchi’s article, “No one cares about the money or the suspensions, the points are the only thing that matters.” This is not exactly what NASCAR said but it represents a different perspective on that idea.
NASCAR released the following statement after it was announced that Hendrick Motorsports would receive its points back despite breaking the rules.
“We are pleased that the National Motorsports Appeals Panel agreed that Hendrick Motorsports violated the rule book. However, we are disappointed that the entirety of the penalty was not upheld. A points penalty is a strong deterrent that is necessary to govern the garage following rule book violations, and we believe that it was an important part of the penalty in this case and moving forward. We will continue to inspect and officiate the NASCAR garage at the highest level of scrutiny to ensure a fair and level playing field for our fans and the entire garage.”
NASCAR on the Hendrick Motorsports appeal due to modified parts
NASCAR stated that a points penalty is a strong deterrent to govern the garage and that it is an important part not just in this case, but moving forward. Quite frankly, the sport is exactly right and it makes things so much more difficult if this is now the precedent.
As those crew chiefs said, if there is a loophole and precedent to receiving a penalty for modifying parts without points being taken away, why would any NASCAR team in the garage area not go that route?
NASCAR has a problem that needs to be fixed immediately. The sport did the right thing with the penalty but the damage coming from the Appeals Panel is pretty substantial.
Related: NASCAR takes two Hendrick Motorsports cars to the R&D Center
NASCAR needs to act fast to save the NextGen model and integrity of the sport
NASCAR has been consistent in handing out penalties that relate to the NextGen car. It was made clear that any modifications of single-sourced parts on the vehicles would be met with quick and significant penalties.
Honestly, the precedent for the 2022 season was perfect. RFK Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and Stewart-Haas Racing all got slapped with penalties because this rule was broken. The system was working well up until the appeal last week.
Now, the appeal from Hendrick Motorsports has caused mass confusion and the gloves are firmly on the floor now. As said above, why would teams in the NASCAR garage not modify parts in which loopholes can be found?
These organizations watched as Hendrick Motorsports, the most well-known organization in NASCAR, was handed down a historic penalty for doing what they have told their employees not to do to the NextGen cars, only to see it be significantly reduced in the worst way.
It now makes sense for NASCAR teams to take chances and that is not good. It is not good for the NextGen model and it is not good for the integrity of the sport. NASCAR needs to address this in some way but this should not have even been an issue.
Hendrick Motorsports modified a NextGen part, NASCAR issued penalties like previous incidents, the Appeals Panel agreed with the violation of the rulebook, and then gave the organization its points back.
The NextGen car is supposed to be equal as the parts received from all teams are the same. Sure, the hood louvers coming to the teams have not been perfect but modifying parts is not the way to go about it.
People will make the argument that Hendrick Motorsports did not race the modified parts and that it was found during a voluntary inspection. However, Hendrick Motorsports had every intention to race those hood louvers when it arrived at Phoenix Raceway.
It should be cut and dry. The rules are strict for a reason and modifying parts is a serious violation. It should not matter when or where these modified parts are found because it is a significant breaking of the rules.
It is not the fact that Hendrick Motorsports specifically received its points back. If this was any organization, the response would be just as concerned. It is not about putting Hendrick Motorsports in a massive hole.
This is about NASCAR’s ability to produce a fair garage area while being able to keep everyone in line. The sport is undoubtedly going to have issues with this now. It is why something needs to be changed in the rulebook to make sure it does not get out of hand.
NASCAR has been successful in being consistent and fair with its penalties regarding the NextGen car. Hopefully, the trend can continue so no unfair advantages are in place moving forward.