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| Robert Laberge/NASCAR via Getty Images |
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| Chris Graythen/NASCAR via Getty Images |
NASCAR announced some changes that will begin to be enforced this weekend at Chicagoland in all three NASCAR Series. These changes are to the delight of some fans and to some hated but it was something that needed to be done and addressed as we get into the Playoffs where teams will look to squeeze more speed to gain the upper hand on the other chasers. Now if you break the rules, no more smack on the wrist penalties. I personally think this is something that will need to be done all year next year to help level the playing field a little more. I am going to simplify this to where you the fans can understand it a little better.
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| Jerry Markland/Getty Images |
These changes allow NASCAR officials to strip race-winning teams of the benefits associated with a Chase victory, which include the automatic advancement into the next elimination round and any tiebreaker implications, should those teams fail the post-race lug-nut check or the post-race Laser Inspection Station (LIS) platform. Here are two examples. If Martin Truex Jr. wins Sunday's race at Chicagoland Speedway and he fails the Laser Inspection Station, NASCAR will take the advancement aspect from Truex making that win basically worthless to the team. Another example is that if Austin Dillon wins the following weekend at New Hampshire and he fails the post-race lug-nut check, NASCAR will take the advancement aspect again making that win practically worthless.
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| Tom Szczerbowski/NASCAR/NASCAR via Getty Images |
Previously, lug-nut infractions have resulted in a one-race suspension and a fine for the crew chief while LIS failures have carried a point deduction in the drivers' and owners' championship points in addition to the crew chief fine.
Going into the Chase, post-race failure of the LIS platform will now be deemed a P4 level penalty if a vehicle's rear toe measurements exceed the allowed measurements on both sides. In the Sprint Cup Series, the first violation would result in an encumbered finishing position, the loss of 35 championship driver and owner points, as well as a three-race suspension and $65,000 fine for the crew chief. In the Xfinity Series, the penalties would be the same, but the crew chief fine would be $20,000. The LIS platform is not a part of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series inspection process. The penalties will be the same as those for an LIS infraction if a vehicle is found to have 17 or fewer lug nuts in place following the completion of the event. This means the crew chief will be more at fault for either cause of failure which should have an effect to where crew chiefs will keep a closer eye on their team. (Koelle,2016)
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