After a three-day investigation, NASCAR imposed penalties on Austin Dillon for his actions during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond. While Dillon’s win was upheld, his automatic playoff berth was revoked, and he was docked 25 points. This decision marked a significant moment in NASCAR history. Additionally, Joey Logano was penalized with $50,000 for aggressive behavior in the pit lane. No matter how historic, the delay of 3 days has caused an uproar in the NASCAR community.

Insiders; TJ Majors and Brett Griffin at the Door Bumper Clear podcasts called out NASCAR, appealing to make timely decisions, and also drawing comparisons with Dale Earnhardt Jr.-owned CARS Tours, which, according to them, is the gold standard in issuing penalties and making decisions.

This is why the CARS Tour is better

The controversial win by Austin Dillon at Richmond Raceway drew widespread criticism as he intentionally wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap. While the desperation to get the playoff spot is understood, the execution was where the No. 3 Chevy driver crossed the line. While Dillon claimed the incident was accidental, NASCAR did not agree. NASCAR rules allow NASCAR to revoke that berth, stating that finishes must be “unencumbered by violation(s) of the NASCAR Rules or other action(s) detrimental to stock car racing or NASCAR.”

After issuing the penalty, NASCAR’s senior VP of Competition, Elton Sawyer, said, “The number one thing is we want to make sure we are protecting the integrity of our playoffs as well as our championship when we get to Phoenix. We want them to be able to race hard. That’s what our sport has been about for 75-plus years. But we also want them to understand, and I believe, each and every one of them understands that this crossed the line.”

Although the decision by NASCAR seems fair, it wasn’t timely as insiders hit out at the authorities. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Brett Griffin, who spotted the [‘famous’ as he said] No. 3 car in Michigan this weekend, shared his take on the Richmond regardless, “I’m sure this has been said a million times. I don’t care who the driver is and I don’t care what the scenario is. That decision should have been able to be made in five minutes not in three days.” Although a five-minute decision seems far-fetched, the decision could have been given way sooner. All the technology available right now could have sped up the process of analyzing the intent behind the wreck.

Elton Sawyer has also apologized for the delay, which he justified by saying that NASCAR wanted to avoid hasty decisions. He said, “Totally understand our fans, I want to apologize to them for this taking as long as it did. Again, we wanted to make sure, the most important thing in these decisions is to get it right. And to make a split-second decision and it to be wrong, that would be bad on our part. But it does put us, I would say, in a position that we’re looking hard at how we would have done this in a much faster manner.” NASCAR insiders further questioned, how other series make such quick decisions and NASCAR can’t.

Also on the podcast was Brad Keselowski’s spotter, TJ Majors, who drew comparisons with Dale Earnhardt’s CARS Tour. The CARS Tours is known for heated battles on racetracks but is also known for its instant penalizing policy. Majors said, “I feel like the CARS Tour doesn’t mess around you get a Black Flag.” 

Probably what Majors remembers is the recent Hickory Motor Speedway race. It was filled with drama. In the closing laps, Ryan Millington spun Connor Hall, resulting in a black flag penalty for Millington. This allowed Ronnie Bassett Jr., who was running third, to take the victory.

This was a similar incident where Connor Hall, like Logano, took a last-minute lead over Millington. However, The CARS Tour gave Millington the black flag on the track itself. Such timely decisions are needed in NASCAR too. Meanwhile, the Austin Dillon case is still not closed. RCR opposed the ruling of NASCAR and appealed it.

How does the NASCAR appeal process work?

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The Austin Dillon case is still not closed, as Richard Childress Racing decided to appeal the verdict in front of the sanctioning body. The appeal will be heard today (Aug 21st) by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel. They will discuss NASCAR’s Aug. 14 ruling (Dillon penalty).

According to NASCAR.com, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel is an independent body that reviews NASCAR penalties. It comprises former drivers, owners, administrators, and track operators, the panel includes individuals with varying levels of connection to NASCAR.

Representatives from RCR and NASCAR will appear before a three-member appeals panel. After reviewing evidence and hearing testimony from both sides, the panel will decide if a violation occurred and whether the imposed penalty is appropriate. RCR would have their fingers crossed for the decision. However, even if the decision goes against them, they can file a second appeal with the final appeals office. However, if NASCAR loses an appeal, the process ends. The sanctioning body cannot further appeal an overturned decision. In that case, Dillon would get the playoff spot back. Causing a lot of problems for the drivers currently in the bubble.

Let’s wait and watch what happens. Do you think the NASCAR ruling was fair? Let us know in the comments below.