NASCAR Technical Controversy: In a dramatic turn of events at Las Vegas, Ryan Blaney of Team Penske found himself at the center of a post-race tech inspection controversy that could have jeopardized his championship hopes. After a stellar season that included a significant win at the Coke 600 and another victory at Talladega, Blaney’s #12 Ford seemed poised for a strong playoff run.
However, following the Las Vegas race, the technical inspectors scrutinized Blaney’s car, a routine procedure after NASCAR races. Post-race tech inspections are less stringent than pre-race checks, focusing on measurements like height and weight and a small teardown to inspect components such as the engine and shock absorbers. Any discrepancies found in post-race tech could lead to disqualification.
Blaney’s car faced an unexpected setback due to a shock absorber issue. While the shocks had passed pre-race inspection, a slight deviation from the template NASCAR uses for inspecting them resulted in immediate disqualification. The shock was found to be slightly shorter than allowed, triggering concerns.
NASCAR’s Managing Director for the Cup Series, Brad Moran, delved into the matter. Upon reviewing inspection notes, Moran discovered similar issues with shocks on the back-up cars of other drivers, including Suarez and Elliott. The shock template and Blaney’s car’s components were taken to the Research and Development Center for further inspection.
After careful reevaluation, NASCAR officials concluded that the template used for the shocks was inconsistent throughout the weekend, exonerating Blaney and Team Penske from any wrongdoing. The ruling, based on newfound evidence, reinstated Blaney’s points, placing him back in contention for the championship.
Team Penske expressed their satisfaction with the decision, praising NASCAR’s integrity throughout the season. Blaney’s championship hopes were revived as he returned to the playoff race, now just seventeen points below the cutoff line. Positioned at sixth in the standings, he trailed behind Tyler Reddick by a single point and Christopher Bell by fifteen.
To prevent such issues in the future, Moran assured that the methods used for inspecting shocks would be revamped for upcoming races, signaling a commitment to fair and consistent inspections in NASCAR. With this resolution, Blaney and Team Penske could refocus on their pursuit of back-to-back championships, determined to overcome the challenges that come their way.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why was Dodge banned from NASCAR racing?
NASCAR wasn’t pleased with the speed, and the proof was clear. Buddy Baker shattered the speed record at Talladega Superspeedway, becoming the first driver to surpass 200mph. The Dodge Charger Daytona was a force to be reckoned with, dominating multiple races.
What driver was banned from NASCAR?
NASCAR driver Noah Gragson has been suspended from racing due to his inappropriate conduct on social media. The decision was made after Gragson violated NASCAR’s Code of Conduct policy. The suspension will prevent Gragson from participating in any NASCAR events until he completes sensitivity training. This incident serves as a reminder that professional athletes are held to a higher standard and must be mindful of their actions both on and off the track.
Is NASCAR still in decline?
NASCAR viewership has taken a hit this season, with all point-counting races averaging 2.86 million viewers between NBC and Fox. This marks a 5% decrease from the previous year, according to SBJ’s Austin Karp.
Why did NASCAR disqualify?
Any unauthorized item discovered on a car during post-race tech results in an immediate disqualification. This was the case for Denny Hamlin in 2022, when tape was found on the front bumper of his Camry, leading to his disqualification. Similarly, Kyle Busch was also disqualified for the same offense, ultimately resulting in Chase Elliott’s victory.
