Keselowski, RFK Racing Hit with Massive Penalties

Photo courtesy of NASCAR.com

By  Lisa Nellis

NASCAR issued a L2-level penalty to the No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing team earlier today, penalizing the team 100 driver points and 100 owner points in a crushing blow to their postseason hopes. 

The penalty involves the modification of a single source supplied part. The specific part in question was not named.

Additionally, the No. 6 crew chief Matt McCall was fined $100,000 and suspended from the next four races. If Brad Keselowski's team ends up qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, they will immediately be penalized with the loss of 10 NASCAR Playoff points.

Before last Sunday’s race in Atlanta, Keselowski’s No. 6 car was sent to the rear of the field for unapproved adjustments. The modification was discovered during teardown inspection at the NASCAR R&D Center following the race.

The shocking 100-point penalty will plummet Keselowski from 16th in the points standings down to 35th. No full-time drivers currently have fewer points than the No. 6 driver.

This penalty is part of a newly introduced system for the 2022 Cup Series season, to deter any modifications of the Next Gen vehicle, which has three tiers: L1 to L3.

Penalty ranges for an L2 infraction are as follows:

• Points deductions: 75-120 points

• Playoff points deductions: 10-25 points

• Suspension of one or two crewmembers for 4-6 races

• Fines: $100,000-$250,000

NASCAR Senior VP of Competition Scott Miller said in January, when the new system was announced, that they were “to make sure that all of those things stay above board."  

FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass had this to say on Twitter: “Fast Thoughts: Still awaiting more details but if RFK broke rules, then at least NASCAR followed through with promise of harsh penalties.”

According to Pockrass, RFK may appeal these penalties, so stay tuned…