NASCAR Review Clears Charlotte Roval, Issues Warning on Race Manipulation
NASCAR has concluded its review of communications during the Charlotte Roval race, determining that no penalties for race manipulation are warranted. However, the governing body emphasized vigilance ahead of the upcoming Round of 8.
Mike Ford, NASCAR’s Managing Director of Communications, stated, “We are planning on making teams aware that our eyes and ears are open to any shenanigans,” during the latest episode of the official podcast, Hauler Talk. The Langley review scrutinized all radio communications, focusing on two spotters who received warnings during the Xfinity Series race for discussing points.
Amanda Ellis, NASCAR’s Senior Director of Racing Communications, clarified that while spotters are not prohibited from discussing points, they must limit those discussions to their own car’s performance. “If you’re talking about points, it should be about your car and not other vehicles that are in play,” she explained.
Since the fall of 2024, NASCAR has been on high alert regarding potential race manipulation following a controversial elimination race at Martinsville Speedway, which resulted in penalties for three teams engaged in radio collusion. During the recent Cup Series race at Charlotte, late-race communications between drivers Ross Chastain and Joey Logano about their points situations were closely monitored.
Ford remarked on the evolving nature of NASCAR officiating, citing the influence of social media and fan engagement: “We have folks in race control listening to radio transmissions. There are some things that will slip through the cracks, but they are often caught by fans who are as tuned in as any sport. If we hear something we don’t like, we are going to step in.”
The NASCAR Cup Series proceeds to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Round of 8, culminating in the final elimination round at Martinsville Speedway on October 24-26. Fans can expect heightened scrutiny and a commitment from NASCAR to maintain competitive integrity.
