Bill Mullis has upheld NASCAR’s penalty against Austin Dillon after Richard Childress Racing appealed to the Final Appeal Officer. After reviewing the data from the SMT and IDAS systems, Mullis ruled in favor of NASCAR. Consequently, Dillon remains outside the playoff cutline, despite his victory at Richmond, marking the final word on the incident at Richmond Raceway.
This decision follows Richard Childress Racing’s choice to escalate the matter after the National Motorsport Appeals Panel rejected their initial appeal. The panel had previously dismissed RCR’s case after thoroughly examining the evidence presented.
As it stands, Richard Childress Racing and Austin Dillon have exhausted their options to contest the ruling, effectively ending their playoff aspirations. Nevertheless, Dillon retains his win. Following the dismissal, the Final Appeal Officer issued a statement (via Nascar.com):
“The data presented today from SMT and IDAS systems indicate that, more likely than not, a rule violation did occur at Richmond Raceway on 8-11-24 by the No. 3 RCR car on the last lap of the race.”
“(Rule 12.3.2.1.B Eligibility, race finishes must be unencumbered by violations of the NASCAR rules or other actions detrimental to stock car auto racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.)”
The suspension of Austin Dillon’s spotter, Brandan Benesch, has been shortened from three races to just one. This allows him to return to the track and support the #3 car at Darlington next weekend.
Richard Childress Racing’s playoff hopes dashed after Austin Dillon’s appeal decision
After the ruling from the Final Appeal Officer, Richard Childress Racing finds itself outside the playoff contention, as neither of their drivers advanced to the next round. Additionally, the 25-point deduction for both driver and owner standings was confirmed.
Although Kyle Busch has struggled recently, Austin Dillon had a slim chance of advancing through two appeals. Unfortunately, with only one race remaining, RCR, a storied and successful team in NASCAR, will not be moving forward.
Currently, Dillon sits in 29th place with 360 points, while Busch is in 16th with 552 points. Dillon is 106 points away from the playoff cutline, meaning only a win can potentially save their 2024 season.
In a dramatic moment during the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, Dillon made contact with Joey Logano on the final lap, leading to NASCAR revoking his playoff eligibility.
