Chase Briscoe’s crew chief faces public scrutiny after NASCAR delivered a severe penalty to the #19 team. The ruling came after an inspection found unauthorized modifications, leading to heavy consequences. A key figure in this controversy is James Small, whose role in the issue has drawn sharp criticism. With a massive points deduction and a suspension at stake, this penalty could reshape the season. Meanwhile, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has responded with a strong move. What happens next could change everything.
Key Highlights
- NASCAR imposed a severe L2-level penalty on Chase Briscoe’s team after an inspection revealed unauthorized modifications.
- Crew chief James Small faces public scrutiny and a four-race suspension, sparking fan calls for his dismissal.
- The penalty included a $100,000 fine, a 100 owner points deduction, and a loss of 10 playoff points.
- Briscoe’s team dropped to 39th place with a negative point total of -67, significantly impacting their standings.
- Joe Gibbs Racing plans to appeal the penalties, potentially altering the consequences for the #19 team.
NASCAR Penalty Imposed on Chase Briscoe’s Team
Following the end of the season’s inaugural points race at Daytona, NASCAR levied an L2-level penalty against Chase Briscoe’s #19 team, casting a shadow over his promising start.
The penalty resulted from unauthorized modifications to a Next Gen car part and included a $100,000 fine, a deduction of 100 owner points, and 10 playoff points. Furthermore, the team’s crew chief, James Small, received a four-race suspension.
This decision has greatly impacted Briscoe’s standings, having initially secured the pole position at the Daytona 500 and finishing impressively in fourth place.
Instead of advancing to Atlanta in tenth place in the point standings, a mere 18 points behind the Cup Series leader, Briscoe now finds himself plummeting to thirty-ninth place with a negative point total of -67.
Jeff Gluck’s Reaction and Fan Frustration
What sparked such a fervent reaction from fans regarding the penalty imposed on Chase Briscoe’s team? The announcement by Jeff Gluck on X (formerly Twitter) detailed the severe sanctions: a 100-point deduction, loss of 10 playoff points, crew chief James Small’s suspension for four races, and a $100,000 fine due to a spoiler modification.
“Holy cr*p, huge penalty just announced. Chase Briscoe was found to have a modification to the spoiler. Loses 100 points, 10 playoff points, and James Small gone for four races. Team fined $100k. Wow, massive stuff to start the year.” – (Gluck)
This disclosure ignited criticism directed at Small, with fans expressing their discontent and questioning his continued association with the team. Some fans called for Small’s immediate dismissal, attributing the costly oversight to his leadership.
“James small needs to be fired NOW.” – (fan reaction)
Their frustration was palpable in passionate responses, highlighting the detrimental impact on the team’s standings.
“Why does JGR keep James Small? I really don’t get it at all…” – (fan reaction)
One fan emphasized the long-term repercussions, predicting a negative points tally upon Small’s return.
“By the time James comes back, they will still be negative in the points.” – (fan reaction)
Holy crap, huge penalty just announced. Chase Briscoe was found to have a modification to the spoiler. Loses 100 points, 10 playoff points and James Small gone for four races. Team fined $100k. Wow, massive stuff to start the year.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 19, 2025
Unauthorized Modifications and Inspection Details
NASCAR’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its competition was emphasized when the organization revealed unauthorized modifications on Chase Briscoe’s #19 car during an inspection at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in North Carolina.
This revelation stemmed from NASCAR’s rigorous policies against unauthorized external parts or alterations on Next Gen cars. Although no issues were detected during track events, the detailed inspection revealed a notable problem with the assembly of Briscoe’s car.
The inspection uncovered that the bolts securing the spoiler base to the deck lid had caused wear in the pre-drilled holes, attributed to interference from supplied parts. This intricate detail, often overlooked during routine checks, highlights NASCAR’s exhaustive examination processes that guarantee compliance with its stringent regulations.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Appeal of the Penalty
Joe Gibbs Racing has taken a decisive step by announcing its intention to appeal the penalty levied against the #19 Cup Series team. This decision indicates the team’s commitment to challenging NASCAR’s ruling, potentially altering the consequences faced by the team.
The suspension of crew chief James Small is imminent, as it may begin this weekend in Atlanta or be deferred to the following weekend at Circuit of the Americas, contingent upon the appeal’s outcome or any extension request.
The vehicles inspected by NASCAR’s R&D department included those of Briscoe and Austin Cindric. Cindric’s car was cleared of any infractions, whereas Briscoe’s team was penalized considerably. The scrutiny highlights the discrepancies faced by different teams under NASCAR’s regulations.
A History of Penalties for Chase Briscoe’s Team
Chase Briscoe’s team, despite its competitive aspirations, has faced considerable regulatory challenges in recent years. These issues have significantly impacted their performance and reputation in the NASCAR community.
In 2023, while under the Stewart-Haas Racing banner, Briscoe’s #14 team encountered a major penalty involving the identification of a counterfeit engine panel duct. This resulted in a severe sanction, which included:
- Point Deductions: The team suffered a deduction of 120 regular points and 25 essential playoff points, which severely affected their standing in the championship race.
- Crew Chief Suspension: The crew chief faced a 6-week suspension, disrupting the team’s tactical planning and leadership during key races.
- Monetary Fines: A substantial $250,000 fine was levied, imposing a financial burden that highlighted the serious nature of the infraction.
News in Brief: Chase Briscoe’s Crew Chief Faces Public Scrutiny
The penalties imposed on Chase Briscoe’s team highlight ongoing scrutiny in NASCAR regarding adherence to regulations, particularly concerning unauthorized modifications. The incident has sparked reactions from notable figures like Jeff Gluck and frustration among fans.
While Joe Gibbs Racing has appealed the penalty, this situation is part of a broader history of infractions for Briscoe’s team. Such events underline the challenges teams face in steering through the strict technical requirements set by NASCAR to guarantee fair competition.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Cup Series Updated Points Standings After Chase Briscoe’s Penalty at Daytona 500
