“I Just Don’t Understand” – Penalized Cup Series Star Left Baffled by NASCAR’s Perplexing System

The round of 12 is off to a quintessential NASCAR start, with caution flags, contacts, and high-octane racing combined to present a full-fledged day of playoff racing at Texas. However, the race being eventful to such an extent meant some drivers had to end up on the unlucky side.

Texas was filled with such events that drivers couldn’t have avoided them even if they wanted to. However, at times, such circumstances arise without any reason. Such problems can often rule drivers out of the weekend as it did with Austin Dillon.

Prior to the 55th lap, two incidents took place. Front Row Motorsports‘ Todd Gilliland was one of the drivers who came out of his car feeling somewhat similar and was surprised by NASCAR’s decision instead.

Todd Gilliland confused by NASCAR deciding to end his race

The track had already witnessed two tire blowouts in the first 55 laps of the 276-lap race. On the 55th lap, Gilliland’s wheel came out on the backstretch and this brought forth the third caution of the day. This has triggered a wave of criticism that has been aimed at NASCAR for the way they have handled Gilliland’s misfortune. The race authorities had to force Gilliland to end his race early and even suspended two crew members.

Speaking in a post-race interview at the trackside, Gilliland tried to understand the reasoning behind NASCAR not reinstating him in the race. “That’s one thing I just don’t understand, it’s like a new rule,” claimed Todd.

“If you spin, hit something, and can’t drive back to your pit stall on your own, you’re just done. But it’s so hard in a situation like that. I feel like we could have easily just came in, changed a tire, and went back but I don’t know. I think you know, partially, it is on me to understand completely every single move but that one just completely doesn’t make sense to me.”

Gilliland was not the only driver to face the consequences of such a tragedy, as Austin Dillon‘s run of poor form this season continued with him being the first victim of the supposed ‘wheel-gate’.

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Mixed results for Richard Childress Racing at Texas

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Team owner Richard Childress received a boost at the start of this season, with the arrival of Kyle Busch. Busch, a powerhouse of the sport. He even helped Austin Dillon imagine a reality where he could follow in the #8 driver’s path to secure a place in playoffs. Although that dream of RCR didn’t materialize, Busch didn’t falter in his plans.

Despite a recent slump, Rowdy is one of the top contenders, surely. Dillon, on the other hand, is the man with the most DNFs this season (8) to start off the discussion. The pattern continued as he brought out the first caution flags at Texas as well. In a similar manner to Gilliland, Dillon’s wheel blew and forced him into the wall on Turn 3. The wreck ended his race and increased his tally to a 9th DNF this year.

Busch looked like he had a strong result that could begin to turn around their situation. However, a wreck pushed him back to 8th again in the second stage, pushing him to finish the lap in reverse gear. With this result, Busch begins the round of 12 at the bottom of the standings.

Looking to wake up a sleeping giant in RCR, Busch will have to buckle up as a rough patch of races threatens to derail their season.

Watch This Story: Kyle Busch Criticizes Richard Childress and His Team After Disappointing Bristol Run