NASCAR
RFK Racing No. 17 Ford Handed Down L1 Penalty after Kansas Speedway
CONCORD, N.C. – Post-race inspection from Kansas Speedway only added insult to injury for RFK Racing. Following teardown at the NASCAR R&D Center, Chris Buescher’s No. 17 Ford Mustang was found with illegal modifications. As a result of this, the Ford team has been issued an L1 Penalty, dropping them from 12th to 24th in points.
The issue found in the No. 17 deals with reinforcements behind the front bumper cover. Teams are allowed to add materials up to two inches around the safety foam; RFK Racing’s car exceeded that allotment.
Buescher’s team has likewise been fined $75,000, lost 60 driver and owner points, and forfeits five Playoff owner and driver points. In addition, crew chief Scott Graves has been suspended for the next two races–Sunday’s All-Star Race from North Wilkesboro Speedway and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.
Violated Rulebook Sections include: 14.1.C, Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules and 14.5.4.G with the front bumper cover.
RFK Racing has since said they are reviewing this penalty before making any decision regarding an appeal. Meanwhile, Buescher tumbles from safely inside the 16-man postseason to on the outside looking in. The No. 17 now ranks 24th in the championship, 27 points out of the top-16.
This story will be updated when any appeal action or inaction comes from RFK Racing.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credits to Peter Stratta/TSJSports
