NASCAR Penalty Update: Hendrick Motorsports Faces Sanction After Pocono
In a significant post-race development following the triple-header weekend at Pocono Raceway, NASCAR has issued an L1 penalty against Hendrick Motorsports for the No. 17 Chevrolet used in the Xfinity Series. The violation pertains to modifications made to the main frame rail conical receivers, as specified in Section 14.3.3.2.1.1 K&L of the NASCAR Rule Book.
Chase Elliott, who piloted the No. 17 car to a fourth-place finish after leading 38 laps, is indirectly affected, as Hendrick Motorsports will incur a 40-point loss in owner points and 10 playoff points, although their standings for the championship are not impacted due to their part-time status in the series. The team has been fined $40,000, and crew chief Adam Wall has received a three-race suspension.
To date, the No. 17 car has participated in ten of the 16 scheduled races this season, achieving two victories with drivers including Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron. Notably, Hendrick Motorsports has opted not to appeal the penalties.
Both the No. 9 Chevrolet of Chase Elliott and the No. 20 Toyota of Christopher Bell were inspected at NASCAR’s Research and Development Center and found compliant, as was the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet of Christian Eckes.
This incident marks a critical enforcement action as NASCAR continues to uphold its stringent technical standards in the competitive landscape of motorsports.
