Till now, Jimmie Johnson has had a rocky 2023 campaign as a team owner. After a tough start to the season and struggling on the track, his problems have taken a new shape now. With the recent surge in penalties on drivers and teams, Legacy Motor Club is NASCAR’s latest offender.
Erik Jones and his team have been penalized at the L1 level for modifying the greenhouse, NASCAR confirmed on Wednesday. The sanctioning body declared that the driver and owner would each lose 60 points and five NASCAR Playoff points as compensation.
The trend of suspensions and penalties continues with Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Kaulig Racing, having already been published by NASCAR for some reason or the other.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
NEWS: The No. 43 team has been issued an L1-level penalty for a modification to the greenhouse.
The penalty is a loss of 60 points and five NASCAR Playoff points to the driver and owner. pic.twitter.com/1Zh17kK4Jp
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 7, 2023
NASCAR Issues L1 Penalty to Erik Jones After Finding Evidence of Illegitimate Modifications
As per the official website release by NASCAR, Legacy have been found violating Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules and 14.1.2.B Engineering Change Log in Chapter 14 of the NASCAR Rule Book. The sanctioning body had previously discovered the similar problem on two Hendrick Motorsports vehicles. As for what the greenhouse implies, they also detailed it, out for the unaware mass.
“The Cup Series car’s roof, front and back glass, as well as the top portion of the doors collectively make up the greenhouse. In an effort to obtain an aerodynamic advantage, teams would make modifications to this area.”
Following the race at World Wide Technology Raceway last weekend, two additional penalties were given this week as well, both in the Craftsman Truck Series. The increasingly consistent and strict guidelines from NASCAR have proven to be a bane for Jimmie’s side.
The team and driver Erik Jones both lose 60 points as a result of the punishment, along with five playoff points. Additionally, NASCAR fined crew chief Dave Elenz $75,000 and disqualified him from the following two races. Well, that’s another obstacle in Johnson’s path.
Additionally, the crew chief of the No. 43 has been fined $75,000 and suspended from the next two championship points events.https://t.co/bHSyvMi1Nf
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 7, 2023
Read More: NASCAR World Mourns the Tragic Loss After Veteran Spanish Racer Succumbs to Heartbreaking Fate
Fans surprised at NASCAR’s strict actions, call out Jimmie Johnson
Trending
Historic NASCAR Track Shutting Its Door After Final Run Has Racing Community Heartbroken
NASCAR Rumor: 66-YO Surprise Daytona 500 Winner Could Make a Return to NASCAR in 2025
1 Year After Heartbreak, Shane van Gisbergen Dominates Rivals in Dirt Track Return
Shane Van Gisbergen Discloses a Major Problem in NASCAR After Leaving Supercars
Amid Sleepless Nights, Tony Stewart’s Wife Leah Reveals Their 1-Month-Old Son’s 4 ‘Responsibilities’
The fandom has been taken aback by the decision. Coming at a surprising time and for a relatively rare reason, the fans seem skeptic about the penalty. While some have expressed their shock and awe, some point fingers at Johnson whose luck has been indifferent every time.
One of the fans did not shy away from questioning the motive behind these decisions, as they keep coming every other week. He tweeted, “Alright penalties are getting ridiculous now,” while another one said “If they penalize everyone, it will nullify the penalties. Quick, everyone break the rules to level the playing field!”
My goodness, NASCAR is just giving penalties left and right.
— Justin Oros (@NASCARSW05) June 7, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Jimmie Johnson has been the center of attention in the comments section. After two instances of greenhouse rules violation by Hendrick Motorsports previously, NASCAR seems to have taken some cue from the Rick Hendrick outfit. More cases of suspensions and penalties have ensued, including Richard Childress’ act of allegation against NASCAR for his grandson Austin Dillon.
Jimmie Johnson’s involvement made this team even worse
— Veniceoriginal (@AfroJew84) June 7, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: During Kyle Busch’s magical night, wife Samantha enjoys a dream opportunity