Events at Michigan International Speedway and Gateway Motorsports Park took place last weekend in NASCAR’s top three divisions, and no teams in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series incurred any penalties for only the second time this season. The other two national touring series, however, weren’t quite as lucky.
The NASCAR XFINITY Series, like the Cup Series, also competed in Michigan, with two teams incurring penalties. The No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Denny Hamlin was found to have an illegal splitter structure, an L1 penalty. NASCAR noted that the splitter itself was not flat. The team’s race finish is encumbered and crew chief Chris Gabehart has been fined $25,000 along with a suspension from the next two series events. The team also loses 25 NASCAR owner points.
The No. 00 Stewart-Haas Ford also received penalties after the XFINITY event. The post-race inspection found a loose lug nut on the Cole Custer-piloted Ford Mustang, which results in a $5,000 fine for crew chief Jeff Meendering.
Friday night only saw one Camping World Truck Series team hit with a penalty during inspections. The No. 02 machine of Austin Hill was found to have illegal body height measurements in post-race inspection. Crew chief Bruce Cook was fined $5,000 and is suspended for the next points event. The team also lost 10 driver and owner points.