NASCAR will meet with drivers ahead of the Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to address concerns over potential race manipulation.
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This decision comes after officials reviewed radio communications from multiple teams at the Charlotte Roval. NASCAR did not find anything that rose to the level of a penalty, but this sitdown will reiterate expectations for driver and team conduct.
"We are planning on making teams aware that our eyes and ears are open to any shenanigans," Mike Forde, NASCAR managing director of communications, said on the "Hauler Talk" podcast ahead of the Las Vegas weekend.
The concerns stem from the late race points battle between Ross Chastain and Joey Logano. The two drivers raced well apart from each other while battling for the final Round of 8 spot, but they became the focus. Chastain could not afford to lose any more spots while Logano needed to gain more spots to advance.
The concerning radio chatter focused on two teams — the No. 48 of Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 41 of Haas Factory Team. Both Alex Bowman and Cole Custer had fresher tires, yet their teams told them to "take it easy" and "save their tires" for a potential late race caution.
These commands occurred right as the two drivers out of the playoffs pulled up behind playoff drivers representing the same manufacturer. Bowman's team told him to take care of his tires as he had an opportunity to pass Chastain. Custer's team told him "nice and easy" as he pulled up behind Logano.
Saw some people saying Cole Custer didn't try to pass Joey Logano in the final laps at the Roval so I went back and watched his onboard. Flagged this over the radio with about three to go:
"Andy, you got your watch on?"
"Nice and easy here, bud. Nice and easy."
"We can save our… pic.twitter.com/w6SFG4DQrR— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 6, 2025
These message took place with less than three laps remaining in the race for the drivers involved. Shane van Gisbergen had such an advantage that he quickly took the white flag and erased the potential for a late caution and an overtime finish.
This is not the first time that Custer and his team have come under the spotlight at the Charlotte Roval. He and the No. 41 team of Stewart-Haas Racing received significant penalties after the 2022 elimination race for attempting to help then-teammate Chase Briscoe advance to the Round of 8.
Custer and his team each received $100,000 fines. They lost 50 driver and owner points. Crew chief Mike Shiplett received an indefinite suspension from NASCAR.
Race manipulation has remained a significant concern for NASCAR since last season's elimination race at Martinsville Speedway.
Austin Dillon and Ross Chastain formed a blockade behind William Byron, preventing him from losing any more spots and falling out of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace suddenly faded with an "issue," allowing Toyota teammate Christopher Bell to pass him.
NASCAR responded to these moves by penalizing all three drivers involved and their teams. Chastain, Dillon, and Wallace all received $100,000 fines, as did their teams. NASCAR also suspended crew chiefs, spotters, and team executives for the championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
NASCAR also updated the language in its Rule Book during the offseason to further clarify race manipulation. This specifically highlighted "intentional planning or conduct that prioritizes objectives."
