Around 2 weeks after Austin Dillon won a race, wrecking two cars in the process, the verdict from NASCAR is out. Dillon played a risky game by gambling for a spot in the playoffs, as he wrecked Joey Logano from his lead and soon after that took out an overtaking Denny Hamlin. Dillon ended up taking the No. 3 RCR car across the finish line, as despite getting a win at Richmond, the officials were still discussing if the win made him eligible for the playoffs.

Now that NASCAR has taken their time to analyze the situation, they have decided to grant Austin Dillon the race win but have pulled his name out of the playoffs. Ultimately, it was Final Appeals Officer Bill Mullis who made the decision, and the NASCAR community is happy to see it.

Mullis made a statement explaining his decision, saying, “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.)”

When the ruling was made, Richard Childress Racing appealed the ruling, and as a result, Brandon Benesch, the spotter for the No. 3 team, had his suspension reduced from three races to one. The panel agreed with NASCAR’s ruling that the actions of Austin Dillon and his team were serious enough to justify the penalties imposed. While the team’s win was not taken away, Dillon’s berth in the Cup Series Playoffs was revoked, meaning he would no longer be eligible to compete in the playoffs.

While fans were happy that Dillon was not granted the win, they did not take too long before they came down with “Boos” to the driver and the team for attempting such a risky maneuver. The appeal to the decision enraged fans even more, as many were hoping to enjoy a clean race where the leader, Joey Logano, could have won the race if it weren’t for Dillon’s actions.

Fans have nothing but Boos for Richard Childress Racing and Austin Dillon

One fan feels that NASCAR didn’t penalize Dillon and his team enough. They think the consequences should have been tougher, saying, “They’re lucky it wasn’t more severe.”

This reaction is straightforward approval. The fan agrees with NASCAR’s decision and thinks it was the right call, as reflected in their comment, “As they should.”

Another fan is pleased with the outcome and seems to think the decision was a good one, expressing their satisfaction with a simple “Nice.”

This Dillon fan downplays the impact of the penalties, suggesting that Dillon will still perform well in the last race for a spot in the playoffs. Their reaction, “doesn’t matter; he’s winning at Darlington,” implies that they believe Dillon will be successful, and that will overshadow this controversy.

This commenter is very frustrated with the whole situation, viewing the penalties as just another negative aspect. They sum up their disappointment with “the final nail in the coffin,” indicating they see this ruling as the last straw.

That being said, do you agree with NASCAR’s decision to keep Austin Dillon out of the playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.