Austin Dillon’s win at Richmond Raceway last weekend will not count towards the Cup Series playoffs.
Dillon’s win at Richmond came in overtime and saw him make contact with both then race leader Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin in the final turn to cross the line first.
NASCAR ruled that Dillon violated Section 12.3.2.1.b of the NASCAR Rule Book, which deals with playoff eligibility and states: “Race finishes must be unencumbered by violation(s) of the NASCAR Rules or other action(s) detrimental to stock car auto racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.”
Dillon and the No. 3 team also were docked 25 points in both the drivers’ and owners’ standings, dropping Dillon from 26th to 31st in the former rankings. Officials also indicated that the rescinded playoff eligibility for Sunday’s win applies to both the drivers’ and owners’ championship.
Richard Childress Racing will appeal the penalties.
“Richard Childress Racing is very disappointed in NASCAR’s penalty against the No. 3 team,” the team said in a statement on X. “We do not agree with the decision that was made and plan to appeal.”
