NASCAR issues stiff L2 penalty after Daytona International Speedway
Update below: Jeremy Clements issues statement
Over the weekend, NASCAR visited Daytona International Speedway. The 2.5-mile oval hosted the NASCRA Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series.
View the NASCAR penalty report after Daytona below.
Jeremy Clements drove to victory lane during Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event. The win also granted him a spot in the playoffs.
However, Clements has been handed an L2 penalty on Tuesday for a rules violation in the event. Now, they have been bounced out of the playoffs.
They are in violation of 14.6.12K&U:
Section 14.6.12K: The rule states that the intake manifold must conform to NASCAR templates, gauges, scales, fixtures and any and all other measuring devices.
Section 14.6.12U: notes the floor of the intake manifold plenum must conform to the NASCAR Inspection Intake Manifold Plenum Plug Gauge.
Three races remain in the Xfinity Series regular season. In order to re-qualify for the Playoffs, Clements must win one of them.
The win at Daytona still officially counts in the career stats column. However, it does not offer playoff eligibility.
Daytona Race Results: August 26, 2022 (NASCAR Xfinity Series)
Daytona International Speedway
Penalty Report
NASCAR Xfintiy Series
Driver: No. 51 Jeremy Clements
Violation: Sections 14.6.12K&U (Intake Modifold)
Penalty Level: L2
Penalty: Crew chief Mark Setzer has been fined $60,000. The team was assessed the loss of 75 owner points, 75 driver points in addition to 10 playoff points (if they re-qualify for playoff run).
No other penalties were announced for the NASCAR Cup Series or Xfinity Series.
Update: Jeremy Clements issues statement
On Wednesday, Jeremy Clements issued a statement in response to the penalty:
“In response to the penalty NASCAR announced yesterday, we have filed a notice of appeal,” Jeremy Clements stated.
“During NASCAR’s tear down process of our Daytona engine, our intake manifold was found to be too short from the carborator face to the bottom of the plenum. This deviation restricts power to the motor, eliminating any positive impact to the motor’s performance.”
“We are appreciative of NASCAR’s thorough inspection process and look forward to the opportunity to have our voice heard.”
The statement concluded, “We appreciate the continued support of our fans and partners as we allow the process to play out.”
The appeal will be heard by the Motorsports Appeals Panel, they operate independant of NASCAR. It’s rare to see a penalty overturned but it has happened in the past.
Motorsports Appeals Panel overturns $50,000 NASCAR fine
NASCAR Xfinity Series
Playoff Grid (Updated)
Note: 3 races remain in regular season
Pos | Driver | Wins/Points | Playoff Points
1. Ty Gibbs
5 Wins | 29PP
2. Noah Gragson
3 Wins | 26PP
3. Justin Allgaier
3 Wins | 21PP
4. AJ Allmendinger
3 Wins | 17PP
5. Josh Berry
2 Wins | 16PP
6. Austin Hill
2 Wins | 11PP
7. Brandon Jones
1 Win | 6PP
8. Riley Herbst
+107
9. Sam Mayer
+86
10. Daniel Hemric
+33
11. Landon Cassill
+12
12. Ryan Sieg
+43
— Playoff Cutline —
13. Sheldon Creed
-43
