The Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity team received a significant penalty following last weekend’s race at Pocono, adding another challenge to their season. NASCAR’s enforcement resulted in a $40,000 fine, a points deduction, and a crew chief suspension for violations related to frame rail conical receivers, underscoring the serious consequences for rule breaches in the series.
Details of the Penalty and Suspension
Chase Elliott drove the Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity car at Pocono, finishing in fourth place before NASCAR officials brought both his car and another competitor’s to the NASCAR R&D Center for closer examination. The penalty was imposed on Wednesday, with the No. 17 team fined $40,000 and docked 40 car owner points, in addition to losing 10 playoff points, a setback for the team’s championship ambitions.
Adam Wall, the crew chief for the team, has been suspended for the next three races in the Xfinity schedule, barring him from participating through the event at Sonoma. These disciplinary actions stem from what NASCAR determined to be a Level 1 (L1) violation related to the main frame rail conical receivers, integral chassis components that are closely regulated to ensure fairness and safety.
Explanation of the Violations and Rule References
The No. 17 car was cited for infractions involving the main frame rail conical receivers. According to NASCAR’s Xfinity Rule Book,
“Main frame rail conical receivers will not be permitted to be moved without having the chassis re-certified prior to the Event at which that chassis will compete.”
—NASCAR Xfinity Rule Book
NASCAR further specified in its rulebook,
“Modifications to main frame rail conical receivers that were made to circumvent NASCAR inspection processes, measurement equipment, and/or gauges will not be permitted.”
—NASCAR Xfinity Rule Book
What’s Next for the Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity Team
The immediate impact of the penalty means the No. 17 team will not participate in Friday night’s race at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. The car will return to competition on July 12 at Sonoma, this time with Corey Day behind the wheel. The team, its crew, and the organization now face the challenge of rebuilding trust and reevaluating processes to avoid future compliance issues, especially as the Xfinity Series season moves into critical races.
This Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity team penalty highlights the importance of strict adherence to technical regulations, signaling to all teams that NASCAR continues to take violations seriously to preserve the sport’s integrity.
