It’s time for the NASCAR fraternity to move on from the Martinsville penalty saga, though the fans seem reluctant, with calls to penalize Rick Hendrick and others rising.
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A motorsport appeals panel quashed the plea by Trackhouse Racing against Ross Chastain’s penalty for attempting to manipulate the outcome of last Sunday’s race. Along with the #1 Chevrolet driver, Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon and 23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace were also penalized.
Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, who benefited from the whole episode, has escaped scot-free, making NASCAR’s action not beyond criticism.
However, the panel cited its reasons while delivering the verdict: “We feel in the best interest of racing and to protect the integrity of the sport, it was appropriate to uphold and affirm NASCAR’s decision with regard to the NASCAR rule 4.4, attempting to manipulate the outcome of the race,” reported Bob Pockrass.
Chastain and his team were the sole contenders against the penalty after RCR and 23XI withdrew their appeals ahead of this weekend’s championship race.
Justin Marks’ racing outfit agreed with the decision and decided not to appeal again. “We respect the decision and will put the matter behind us. We’re looking forward to a great championship weekend,” stated the team.
However, many NASCAR fans were unwilling to accept the decision. One fan pointed at how Byron, who benefited from Chastain and Dillon’s actions, is still free to compete for the 2024 title and wrote: “Chevy manipulates the race and the one guy to benefit is still racing for a championship. This is still bullshit.”
Chevy manipulates the race and the one guy to benefit is still racing for a championship. This is still bullshit
— Kyle (@Gro2811) November 7, 2024
Another follower questioned the same logic: “So… they did wrong but the 24 keeps his spot… makes so much sense lol.”
Meanwhile, a few fans opined on how the governing body should have handled the matter, along with actions that it needs to take now: “The drivers should be suspended but nascar is beyond soft.”
Some questioned whether Hendrick, the owner of the #24 charter, should be penalized. One fan went to the extent of asking, “Will Rick Hendrick be arrested?”
The offense could warrant a penalty, yes. But an ‘arrest’, based on what seems like a subjective interpretation of the rules of a sports league, is stretching it a little too much.
The governing body gave its reasons for going after the teams and manufacturers rather than the drivers. That too with monetary fines and not points deductions.
Despite the outcry, Hendrick Motorsports’ Byron is set to challenge for the 2024 Cup Series title this Sunday, November 10, at the Phoenix Raceway. The race will go live at 3:00 pm ET.
