A harsher penalty system is in place with the introduction of the Next Gen car
This weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series opens their 2022 regular season in Daytona Beach, Florida. It’s the week of the Daytona 500 on the 2.5-mile of Daytona International Speedway.
On Thursday night, NASCAR ran two qualifying races. Those races were used to complete the starting grid for Sunday’s race.
Roush Fenway Keslelowski Racing dominated Thursday night’s Duel races. They won both races, locking out the second row in the starting grid for Sunday’s Daytona 500.
Related: Duel 1 Results
Related: Duel 2 Results
NASCAR confiscates wheels at Daytona
NASCAR announced late Friday afternoon that they have confiscated wheels from both Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing as well as Team Penske. Both are Ford operations.
RFK Drivers
Brad Keselwoski, Chris Buescher
Team Penske Drivers
Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Ryan Blaney
The parts are being sent to the NASCAR Research & Development Center for further inspection. Any possible penalties would come at a later date, following the detailed inspection.
NASCAR did not add any details to what they might have seen or what they’re looking for.
Joey Logano was leading the second Duel race until a crash on the final lap. Team Penske was forced to unload the backup car following the crash.
Related: Joey Logano crashes at Daytona with NASCAR backups in short supply
Next Gen car/Harsh penalties
New for 2022, NASCAR has introduced the Next Gen car. It’s a spec chassis that’s intended to be identical from team to team in an effort to level the playing field.
That’s not just the chassis. Some parts themselves are also spec.
The wheels are new for 2022 as well. They’re a larger 18-inch aluminum wheel fitted with a much larger tire. The wheels were steel previously.
A new penalty system was also introduced with the spec chassis. Those penalties include a possible fine of $500,000. The harsher penalties are in place to help enforce the new level playing field.
Related: NASCAR penalty system updated with possible $500k fine
Related: Daytona 500 TV Schedule for February 2022 (NASCAR)
Links
Joey Logano | Team Penske | Chris Buescher | Daytona International Speedway | NASCAR
