RFK Racing faces significant penalties after officials discovered a front bumper violation following last weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Kansas Speedway. The infraction resulted in an L1-level penalty for Chris Buescher’s team, issued after the No. 17 <a href="https://slicksandsticks.com/tag/ford/”>Ford underwent a post-race inspection at the NASCAR R&D Center, where it was found to exceed the allowable reinforcement behind the front bumper foam.
NASCAR cited specific violations under Sections 14.1.C, relating to vehicle and driver safety specifications, and 14.5.4.G, addressing the limits on front bumper reinforcement. The inspection determined that RFK Racing’s modifications surpassed the maximum allowance of two inches, a clear breach of the rules. As a result, the organization was fined $75,000, docked 60 owner points, 60 driver points, and stripped of five NASCAR Playoff driver and owner points, dealing a devastating blow to their standing. Crew chief Scott Graves has been suspended for the next two Cup Series races, extending through the Charlotte Motor Speedway event.
Brad Moran, NASCAR Cup Series managing director, addressed the situation on the “Hauler Talk” podcast, explaining,
“Unfortunately, the No. 17 did not meet the rule and had a larger area than what is permitted to be bonded into the nose piece. They can work in that area, but they went too far would be the simplest terms of putting it.”
This violation was found after Buescher’s eighth-place finish, raising immediate concerns about the team’s adherence to regulations.
The penalties for RFK Racing have significant repercussions, potentially impacting their playoff hopes and overall reputation. With a loss of critical points and their crew chief sidelined, the team now faces immense pressure to recover and regain trust within the racing community. As the season progresses, the consequences of this violation may create lasting effects on both the organization and its drivers, heightening anxiety and uncertainty for fans and competitors alike.
