NASCAR has issued significant penalties to both Josh Berry and Carson Hocevar for their actions at Martinsville Speedway.
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According to the penalty report, NASCAR has fined Hocevar $100,000 and taken away 25 driver points. The sanctioning body has fined Berry $50,000 and taken away 25 driver points. Both drivers committed "actions detrimental to stock car racing."
Both drivers appeared to brake check members of Team Penske during last weekend's Cup Series race at the short track. Hocevar did so four times while applying 1,023 pounds of brake pressure. He caused terminal damage to Austin Cindric's No. 2 Ford.
Spire Motorsports has since suspended Hocevar for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Justin Haley will replace him in the No. 77 Chevrolet this weekend.
There's never a shortage of contact at @MartinsvilleSwy. pic.twitter.com/uk1virMy4G
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 2, 2026
Berry appeared to brake check Ryan Blaney once after contact made the No. 21 Ford wiggle. He suddenly slowed as Blaney slammed into his rear bumper. This also caused significant damage to the No. 12 Ford and led to Blaney spinning out. This incident caused a caution that ended stage 2.
Berry faced a question about the contact on the track. He told reporters that his Team Penske teammate got into him "pretty good" and that he just tried to save his car.
Blaney certainly saw the incident in a different light. He viewed this as an intentional brake check that ruined his day.
With this caution for @Blaney, @WilliamByron wins Stage 2. pic.twitter.com/kBV6TFso31
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 1, 2026
"The deal in (Turns) 3 and 4, I just barely accidentally bumped the 21 and he decided to slam on the brakes and end our day," Blaney said.
"I don't really know why after just a tiny little bit of contact, not even on purpose. He just lost his mind and unfortunately it ended our day."
This penalty will drop Hocevar from 12th in the standings to 13th behind Bubba Wallace. He will fall further next weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway while missing the race.
Berry, who did not make the Chase, will lose the spots that he gained with a top-five finish at Martinsville Speedway. He will fall to 22nd in points.
