NASCAR docked Clint Bowyer and Daniel Suarez 20 points each and both will lose their car chief for two points races for L1 violations discovered after last weekend’s race at Dover International Speedway.
Bowyer finished second Sunday. Suarez was third, his best Cup finish on an oval.
Bowyer’s crew chief, Mike Bugarewicz, was fined $50,000 and car chief Jerry Cook was suspended two points races. The team also was penalized 20 owner points. The No. 14 Ford violated Section 20.4.8.1, which mandates “rear window support braces must keep the rear window glass rigid in all directions at all times.” Bowyer’s finish will not count in any tie-breaking procedures.
The point penalty Bowyer received is consistent with those issued for similar violations to the teams of Kevin Harvick and Chase Elliott earlier this season. Harvick is Bowyer’s teammate at Stewart-Haas Racing.
Bowyer exited Dover fourth in the standings with 380 points. He loses one spot to Brad Keselowski.
Regarding an appeal, an SHR spokesperson said the team is “evaluating its options and continuing its dialog with NASCAR.”
SHR released the following statement from Greg Zipadelli, vice president of competition:
Suarez’s crew chief, Scott Graves, was fined $50,000 and car chief Todd Brewer was suspended for the next two points events for a violation in the rear window support and structure. The team also was penalized 20 owner points. The rear window on the No. 19 Toyota was “not flush to deck lid.”
Suarez was 17th with 234 points. He drops three spots to 20th behind Ryan Newman.
Joe Gibbs Racing will not appeal its penalties. Wesley Sherrill will serve as car chief at Kansas. The car chief for Charlotte is to be determined.
Austin Dillon’s crew chief, Justin Alexander, was fined $25,000 and car chief Greg Ebert, was suspended one points race for the splitter on the No. 3 Chevrolet not meeting specifications.
Dillon finished 26th at Dover.
Also, Kurt Busch’s crew chief, Billy Scott, was fined $10,000 for an unsecured lug nut.