NASCAR Xfinity Series: Three Teams Penalized After Daytona Race
By Amanda Vincent
In the wake of Friday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway, three teams have been hit with significant penalties due to infractions related to their rear bumper covers. The affected teams include the No. 27 Jordan Anderson Racing team, the No. 28 RSS Racing team, and the No. 45 Alpha Prime Racing team.
The No. 27 car, driven by Jeb Burton, the No. 28 machine piloted by Kyle Sieg, and the No. 45 entry of Caesar Bacarella all faced sanctions for violations discovered during pre-race inspections. The NASCAR penalty report revealed that these teams were each docked 20 driver and owner points, alongside a deduction of five playoff points. This ruling has serious implications for the teams’ standings and playoff aspirations as the season progresses.
Additionally, the crew chiefs of the involved teams received hefty fines in connection with these infractions. Shane Whitbeck of the No. 27 team, Joe Williams of the No. 28 team, and Kase Kallenbach of the No. 45 team were each fined $25,000.
The penalties stem from violations of sections 14.4.A and 14.4.11 C&D of the NASCAR rule book, which pertain to the body and bumper cover extensions specifically for superspeedway events. NASCAR officials identified the infractions during pre-race inspections, although the teams rectified the issues before the race commenced.
The decision underscores NASCAR’s strict enforcement of regulations aimed at ensuring fair competition and vehicle safety, particularly at high-speed tracks like Daytona. The adjustments to the rear bumper covers are crucial for maintaining aerodynamic balance and safety standards in superspeedway racing.
As the Xfinity Series heads into the next phase of the season, these penalties will likely have repercussions for the penalized teams. The loss of points and the financial impact on crew chiefs could affect their performance and standings as they continue their campaigns.
The affected teams have yet to comment extensively on the penalties, but they will be working to address the issues and strategize for future races. NASCAR’s swift action highlights the governing body’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that all teams adhere to the established regulations.
