[autotag]Austin Dillon[/autotag] needed to win to make the 2024 NASCAR playoffs entering Richmond Raceway, and found a way to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the year. Dillon dumped Joey Logano in the final corners and made contact with Denny Hamlin en route to victory lane. However, the driver of the No. 3 car could be facing a NASCAR suspension after Richmond.
NASCAR will review Dillon’s actions on the final lap at Richmond and determine if any penalties need to be issued. The sport will specifically look at Dillon’s contact with Hamlin to determine if the No. 3 car intentionally right-rear hooked the No. 11 car into the wall. If so, NASCAR’s previous decisions would result in a one-race suspension for Dillon.
Also, NASCAR will likely listen to the No. 3 team radio as Dillon’s spotter appeared to scream, “Wreck him,” in the final moments. Yet, the SMT data will be the leading factor in whether Dillon is penalized. It was a chaotic ending that will be talked about for the days and weeks ahead. Dillon should keep his victory, but a penalty is definitely in play for the No. 3 team.
[lawrence-related id=16025,16022,16019]