NASCAR made multiple changes to the Rule Book after a controversial Round of 8 elimination race at Martinsville Speedway. The updated language has provided a better idea of what the sanctioning body views as race manipulation.
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Section 5.5 of the Rule Book, "Performance Obligation," now states "Any Member who attempts to improperly influence the outcome of the Event or encourages, persuades or induces others to do so shall be subject to penalties, as outlined in Section 10 Violations and Disciplinary Action.
"Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to, intentional planning or conduct that prioritizes objectives other than achieving the best possible competitive result for their team."
The updated language features some significant changes. For example, the rule now points to "any member." It previously only referenced competitors. Additionally, NASCAR changed "manipulate" to "improperly influence."
The other new addition to the rule is the line about "intentional planning or conduct that prioritizes objectives."
NASCAR did not provide a specific reason for this additional line in the Rule Book. However, radio chatter from Martinsville Speedway could have directly led to this update.
The first comment that drew attention was seemingly harmless at the moment. The message to Austin Dillon during pre-race was to be cognizant of the Hendrick Motorsports cars and the playoff cars. Later messages, however, were seemingly more direct.
The No. 3 spotter and crew chief told Dillon during the closing laps that William Byron was only two spots above the elimination line. They added that if they passed Byron, he would be out of the Championship 4.
Dillon and spotter Brandon Benesch both asked during the closing laps if the No. 1 team of Trackhouse Racing "knew the deal." These questions were asked as Ross Chastain drove side-by-side with Dillon while forming a blockade behind Byron.
The messages over the radio and the blockade formation led to massive penalties from NASCAR, who deemed this to be manipulation. The list included a $100,000 fine to Dillon, a $100,000 fine to Richard Childress Racing, the loss of 50 driver points, the loss of 50 owner points, and one-race suspensions to multiple team members.
