NASCAR Issues Warning: Post-Race ‘Landscaping’ Could Lead to Disqualifications
Table of Contents
DARLINGTON, SC – September 10, 2024 – NASCAR officials are cracking down on a practice where teams attempt to add weight to their cars after the checkered flag, possibly leading to disqualifications. The warning comes after scrutiny of recent races where drivers appeared to deliberately drive onto the grass during the cool-down lap, a tactic used to accumulate dirt and increase vehicle weight to meet minimum tolerances.
The issue centers around NASCAR Rule 6421.b, which stipulates that cars under impound conditions – beginning immediately after the checkered flag – cannot be altered or adjusted in any way before reaching the inspection area. While NASCAR is issuing a warning for the most recent infractions, officials made it clear that future violations could result in severe penalties, including disqualification. This is especially relevant as the playoffs progress and teams aggressively seek any competitive advantage.
Historical Precedent and Playoff Implications
The practice of adding weight post-race isn’t new, with a long history in the sport. Drivers aim to reach the minimum weight requirement, as being underweight can lead to disqualification. Recent inspections, including a thorough check of all playoff cars at Darlington Raceway, revealed several vehicles were dangerously close to failing weight requirements. These teams are pushing it so close to the line on weight,
stated Elton Forde, NASCAR’s competition director. They know exactly how to math it out where we give them a 17-pound tolerance after the race.
Last year, Alex Bowman was disqualified from the Charlotte Motor Speedway race for failing to meet the minimum weight, a decision that ultimately eliminated him from playoff contention and reinstated Joey Logano. This precedent underscores the seriousness with which NASCAR views weight violations.
Did You Know?
NASCAR provides teams with a 17-pound tolerance after a race when measuring vehicle weight, creating a narrow margin for compliance.
Potential Penalties and Enforcement
NASCAR officials are adopting a case-by-case approach to penalties, acknowledging that the severity of the violation will determine the repercussions. Weather that is going to be an in-race penalty or a DQ, that is going to be determined after the event. It depends on how blatant the violation was,
Forde explained. Trackhouse Racing, specifically, received a warning regarding the practice, but officials are prepared to issue more considerable penalties if the behavior continues.
Chastain and Van Gisbergen, both playoff drivers, underwent post-race inspection after the recent event, finishing 24th and 25th respectively.They left the race 19 points above and 15 points below the cutline, respectively, highlighting the high stakes of maintaining compliance.
Pro Tip:
Teams must ensure their vehicles meet minimum weight requirements *before* reaching the inspection area, as any post-race adjustments are prohibited.
| Driver | Finish | Playoff Status (Post-Race) |
|---|---|---|
| Chastain | 24th | 19 points above cutline |
| Van Gisbergen | 25th | 15 points below cutline |
| Bowman (2023) | Disqualified | eliminated from Playoffs |
What do you think NASCAR should do to deter this practice? And how much of a competitive disadvantage does this create for teams that adhere strictly to the rules?
“that is something that we’ll frown upon in a critically important way.” – Elton Forde, NASCAR competition Director
Background: Minimum weight Regulations in NASCAR
NASCAR has long enforced minimum weight regulations to ensure fair competition and safety. The rules are designed to prevent teams from excessively reducing weight to gain a speed advantage, which could compromise vehicle stability and driver safety. The current minimum weight varies depending on the vehicle configuration and series, but teams are consistently challenged to balance performance with compliance. The 17-pound tolerance is a relatively recent addition, intended to account for minor fluctuations in weight due to fuel burn and other factors. However, it has also created a situation where teams are pushing the limits, attempting to maximize weight within the allowable range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is NASCAR doing about teams adding weight after a race? NASCAR is issuing warnings and threatening disqualifications for teams found to be intentionally adding weight to their cars after the checkered flag.
- is it illegal to be underweight in NASCAR? Yes, being underweight is a violation of NASCAR rules and can result in disqualification.
- What is the purpose of the minimum weight rule in NASCAR? The minimum weight rule is in place to ensure fair competition and driver safety.
- What was the penalty for Alex Bowman last year? Alex Bowman was disqualified from the Charlotte Motor Speedway race for failing to meet the minimum weight requirement.
- How close were teams to failing weight at Darlington? Several playoff cars were within one pound of failing to meet the minimum weight requirement at Darlington Raceway.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this developing story! Share this article with your fellow racing fans and join the conversation in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest NASCAR updates.
