Penalties in NASCAR have always been a hot topic. Some wrecks lead to immediate suspensions, while others slide by without consequences. Fans still debate Bubba Wallace’s 2022 right-rear hook on Kyle Larson on October 16 during the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The last time it happened before Wallace was when Matt Kenseth was suspended for a couple of races in 2015. The fault? returning to the track with a damaged car to retaliate against Joey Logano. Similar incidents since then have gone unpunished, fueling discussions about inconsistency.

The latest controversy unfolded at Circuit of the Americas, where Austin Cindric and Ty Dillon got tangled up early in the race. Dillon shoved Cindric wide, and moments later, Cindric seemingly retaliated, spinning Dillon into the wall. Now, NASCAR faces a tough decision. Will Cindric face penalties? And how does Denny Hamlin view the situation?

Denny Hamlin weighs in on the Cindric-Dillon clash at COTA

During a recent episode of his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, Denny Hamlin addressed the incident between Austin Cindric and Ty Dillon at Circuit of the Americas. Hamlin observed that Cindric appeared upset after Dillon “shoved him wide,” forcing him off the track on lap 4. This maneuver left Cindric with limited options, leading to what seemed like retaliation. Cindric lined up Dillon. Then, it seemed like Cindric turned left into Dillon’s back right bumper.

As a result, Dillon spun and hit the wall. Hamlin emphasized the seriousness of right-rear hooks, stating, “A right hook is a right hook. There’s a wall on the right side.” If drivers aren’t penalized consistently for these retaliation incidents, it sets a dangerous precedent. In past seasons, similar moves have led to suspensions, coincidentally, Hamlin being one of them.

During the 2023 race in Phoenix, Hamlin made intentional contact with Ross Chastain in turn 1 during the next-to-last lap of the race. This took both the cars into the wall. The move, which Hamlin later admitted was payback, led NASCAR to fine him $50,000 and dock 25 points. His honesty may have sealed his penalty, whereas drivers who don’t admit intent often escape punishment.

This brings the focus back to Cindric, Hamlin’s favorite superspeedway driver. If NASCAR determines that he deliberately turned into Dillon, a penalty should follow. However, Hamlin pointed out that NASCAR’s decisions often depend on the severity of the outcome. “Had Ty Dillon hit the wall really hard… we’re talking about a different conversation,” Hamlin noted, implying that the lighter impact might allow Cindric to avoid repercussions.

Denny Hamlin remains firm that right-rear hooks are dangerous. This serves as a warning to Cindric, indirectly asking him to refrain from making such moves in the future. Whether NASCAR takes action against Cindric or not will set a precedent moving forward. With safety and fairness in question, all eyes are now on the governing body’s next move. “Regardless of what happens, it will continue to set a very substantial precedent going forward for you drivers,” Hamlin’s co-host Jared Allen pointed out.

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NASCAR’s rulebook could shape Cindric’s fate

NASCAR is currently reviewing the Cindric-Dillon incident to determine if further action is necessary. Managing Director of Competition Brad Moran stated, “We’ll have a look at that and see if there was something there that we do not like, and if there is, we’ll have to deal with it.” A penalty could significantly impact Cindric’s season.

A suspension would be especially damaging due to NASCAR’s updated playoff waiver policy. If Cindric is suspended, he will lose all accumulated playoff points. This means he could enter the postseason with only the baseline 2,000 points in the reset standings. In a sport where every point matters, this could severely hurt his championship hopes.

NASCAR only grants waivers for missing races under specific conditions, such as medical absences, the birth of a child, family emergencies, or age restrictions. Disciplinary suspensions do not qualify. This rule change, implemented in the 2025 season, ensures that penalties carry lasting consequences, preventing drivers from gaining an advantage after serving suspensions.

With NASCAR’s history of inconsistent penalties, all eyes are on how they handle Cindric’s case. If the sanctioning body lets him off lightly, it could spark further debates about fairness. However, a suspension would send a strong message that right-rear hooks won’t be tolerated, reinforcing the importance of clean racing – something that drivers like Christopher Bell are looking forward to in the upcoming season.