Appeals panel reduces points penalty for Chris Buescher and RFK Racing

Following the Kansas race weekend, the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford team and driver Chris Buescher were penalized for an issue relating to the bumper cover that was found after the car was taken back to the NASCAR R&D Center.

The rule they violated: “The front fascia may be strengthened on the inner surface with bonded on non-metallic materials in the area contacting the bumper foam and up to 2 inches further in all directions.” The team went beyond this tolerance. 

The original penalty saw them lose 60 driver and owner points, the loss of five playoff points, a $75,000 fine, and a two-race suspension for crew chief Scott Graves. Most of these penalties were upheld by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel, with one exception. 

The panel concluded that while violated Section 14.5.4 of the NASCAR Rule Book (Front Bumper Cover), they did not agree with NASCAR’s assessment that the team also violated Section 14.1.2 (Exhaust Cover Panel).

As a result, the 60-point penalty has been cut in half to 30 points. With how tight the championship standings are, this is quite the change as Buescher moves from 23rd in the regular season standings, up to 16th.

In a statement explaining their decision, the NMPA said: “The panel concluded that NASCAR met its burden of proof regarding the reinforcement of the front bumper cover but did not meet it regarding the trimming of the exhaust panel cover. The rule book regarding the exhaust panel trimming lacked specificity on the amount trimmed or not trimmed. Accordingly, the Panel reduced the owner and driver points penalty from 60 to 30 points.”

The panel was made up of Tom DeLoach, Cary Tharrington, and Kevin Whitaker.

RFK Racing responded positively to the ruling, releasing the following statement: “We appreciate the opportunity to present our case to the National Motorsports Appeals Panel today and are pleased that the Panel overturned one of the two assessed penalties. Our goal is to always comply fully with the letter of the NASCAR Rule Book, and our focus is now looking forward to competing for a win in Nashville this weekend.”