Chris Buescher was hit with a severe NASCAR points penalty following the Kansas Speedway race, as officials discovered an infraction related to his car’s front bumper during a random inspection. The penalty comes just after Buescher finished eighth, climbing from the front row and putting together a strong performance when his No. 17 RFK Racing Ford Mustang was one of two cars, alongside Carson Hocevar’s, sent for review at the NASCAR R&D Center. While Hocevar’s car passed without issue, Buescher’s team was found in breach of key NASCAR rules, specifically involving how the front bumper cover was reinforced.
NASCAR identified violations of Sections 14.1.C and 14.5.4.G, which dictate the legal specifications for bumpers and their allowable modifications. According to Motorsport.com’s Bozi Tatarevic, the rules permit limited internal bumper reinforcement, but Buescher’s team allegedly crossed that boundary. As a result, NASCAR issued swift and heavy penalties: a $75,000 fine for the team, the suspension of crew chief Scott Graves for two events, and most crucially, the docking of 60 driver and owner points, plus five playoff points.
This points penalty is a significant setback for Chris Buescher, who, despite not yet winning in the first twelve races of the season, was holding on to a playoff spot, sitting twelfth in the standings. The penalty now pushes Buescher down to twenty-fourth in the points, moving him from thirty-three points above the cut-line to twenty-seven points below, and erasing any playoff points he might have accrued, leaving him deep in deficit. The timing is difficult, especially with key races, including the All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600, ahead without the guidance of his crew chief.
RFK Racing responded, stating,
“We remain committed to full compliance with NASCAR’s rules. At this time, we are carefully reviewing the details of the situation to determine if we will file an appeal within the timeframe allotted.”
The ramifications for Chris Buescher and his team are immediate and substantial, intensifying pressure as they consider an appeal and scramble to recover their competitive standing in the demanding NASCAR Cup Series.
