Richard Childress Racing (RCR) driver Austin Dillon voiced his frustration after the team’s latest appeal was denied, leaving him ineligible for the playoffs despite his victory at Richmond Raceway. Dillon’s win came after a controversial final lap where he collided with Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin. However, NASCAR ruled that his victory would not secure him a spot in the playoffs.
At Darlington Raceway, Dillon argued that data from the Sport Media Technology (SMT) and precedents from past penalties supported his case. The #3 RCR driver explained that his playoff eligibility was removed due to a “three-part problem,” referring to the sequence of events that unfolded in the closing moments of the Richmond race.
Dillon went into detail about how RCR provided evidence to demonstrate that his spotter was not responsible for the wreck. The team also submitted SMT data showing that Dillon was only two car lengths behind Joey Logano before the collision occurred. Additionally, Dillon explained that Denny Hamlin’s car had a 45-degree steering angle when it slid across the track, leading to the contact between them.
In an interview with Bob Pockrass, Dillon shared how RCR had thoroughly prepared for the appeal by drawing on previous cases where drivers who were suspended received playoff waivers. The 34-year-old RCR driver expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling, stating:
“We put a lot of effort into the appeal, doing our due diligence on behalf of everyone at RCR. We didn’t think the penalty matched the offense. If you look at NASCAR’s history, there are several instances where drivers with intentional wrecks received waivers. For example, Chase Elliott wrecked Denny Hamlin at Charlotte and still got a waiver. Another case is William Byron turning Denny under caution, getting a 25-point penalty and a $100,000 fine, but after an appeal, he got his points back and made the playoffs.
“There have been so many cases where penalties didn’t seem to fit the offense. This particular penalty is the largest financial penalty in NASCAR’s history from a judgment call, and it just doesn’t feel right.”
Dillon’s last opportunity to make the playoffs lies in winning the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, scheduled for Sunday, September 1, at 6:00 pm ET.
Richard Childress, owner of RCR and Dillon’s grandfather, also expressed his disappointment with the ruling that cost Dillon his playoff spot. The 78-year-old Hall of Fame team owner suggested that this decision had altered the nature of NASCAR racing, especially in the final lap of a race.
Childress highlighted the financial implications of the penalty, revealing that the team had lost over a million dollars due to Dillon’s drop from 16th to 29th in the owner’s standings. He described the removal of the #3 Chevrolet team’s playoff eligibility as the most significant fine in NASCAR’s history.
“This ruling has changed NASCAR racing forever, particularly on the final lap. It’s cost us over a million dollars. It’s the largest fine ever in NASCAR, and I’m just incredibly disappointed. That’s all I can say,” Childress remarked in an interview with Fox Sports.
As the regular season finale at Darlington approaches, both RCR drivers, Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon, find themselves outside the playoff picture. A victory in the upcoming race is their only hope of securing a spot in the playoffs.
“Didn’t think the penalty fit the crime” – Frustrated Austin Dillon criticizes NASCAR’s ruling with SMT data and historical examples
