![NASCAR’s Phelps on Richmond: ‘We’re not [a] demolition derby’](https://p1racenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1020317430-LAT-20240811-_DSC6902-2-copy.jpeg)
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NASCAR president Steve Phelps said the sport is not a “demolition derby” when discussing the finish at Richmond Raceway, and the subsequent decision to penalize winner Austin Dillon, with Kevin Har…
NASCAR president Steve Phelps emphasized that the sport is not a “demolition derby” with regards to the finish at Richmond Raceway that led to the penalty of winner Austin Dillon. The penalty came after contact Dillon made with Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin on the final lap of the race. Dillon’s team tried to appeal the decision but was denied by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel.
Dillon had a strong performance at Richmond, with a sixth-place qualifying effort and leading 35 laps before the controversial finish. The penalty for Dillon included losing the playoff eligibility from the victory, along with 25 points deducted from both the drivers’ and owners’ championship standings.
The NASCAR officials, led by Phelps, made the decision to penalize Dillon after reviewing the incident for three days. Dillon’s spotter, Brandon Benesch, was also suspended for communication during the final lap, but the penalty was later reduced. The final appeal for Dillon will be heard next Monday, as his championship hopes rely on a win at Daytona or Darlington to secure a postseason spot.
