Zane Smith’s No. 38 team in the NASCAR Cup Series received a penalty at Phoenix Raceway after officials found that the car was given an unapproved adjustment to its underbody during practice and pre-qualifying preparations. The penalty was confirmed following a reinspection of the vehicle before the session at the Arizona track, placing additional scrutiny on the team’s weekend performance and compliance with regulations.
Inspection Reveals Unapproved Change
The controversy arose when NASCAR officials observed the No. 38 car, driven by Zane Smith, undergoing changes that did not adhere to the established rulebook. Prior to the official practice or qualifying activities at Phoenix, inspectors identified that alterations had been made to the underbody—modifications that the sanctioning body had not cleared in advance. As a result, officials reinspected the car immediately before practice, confirming the presence of unapproved work.
NASCAR’s Strict Policy on Technical Compliance
NASCAR maintains strict oversight during race weekends, especially during foundational sessions such as practice and qualifying. The organization’s vigilance is in place to ensure fair competition for all drivers and teams. In this instance, the reinspection process highlighted NASCAR’s commitment to upholding its standards. The penalty imposed on Zane Smith’s team comes as the governing body works to ensure a level playing field as drivers—including championship contender Tyler Reddick and veterans such as Bowman and Kyle Busch—prepare for high-stakes races throughout the Cup Series season.
Broader Implications for Teams at Phoenix
The incident involving the No. 38 team serves as a reminder to all NASCAR Cup Series entrants, from Hendrick Motorsports’ lineup to recent substitute drivers like Myatt Snider, that compliance with technical regulations remains a top priority. With renewed cooperation from partners such as Goodyear and collaborations like Rick Ware Racing’s new partnership at Phoenix, the NASCAR community continues to emphasize the importance of transparent, fair play. Though disappointing for Smith’s crew, this event reinforces NASCAR’s focus on upholding integrity as racing returns to the city of Phoenix.
Looking Ahead at Phoenix Raceway
With heightened attention on inspection processes and team strategy, the penalty may influence how other teams approach car adjustments this weekend and during upcoming events. As Patrick Warburton assumes his role as Grand Marshal for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 and fans anticipate compelling performances on track, the enforcement action at Phoenix delivers a clear message: adherence to NASCAR rules is non-negotiable, and vigilance will remain central to the series’ efforts moving forward.
