After the penalty, Alex Bowman has been eliminated from the NASCAR playoffs
On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series raced on the road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Kyle Larson drove to the race win. There were no issues for the No. 5 in post-race inspection, he’s officially the winner.
However, the No. 48 has been disqualified after the race. Bowman failed to meet the minimum weight requirement after the race.
The disqualification has major playoff implications. After the penalty, Bowman is eliminated from the playoffs. The No. 22 driven by Joey Logano now advances into the Round of 8.
Bowman crossed the line in 18th. After the penalty, the No. 48 team has been officially credited with a 38th place finish.
“It didn’t pass the minimum weight specs, Brad Moran of NASCAR stated. “So, we pulled the car off to the side and we allowed them to fuel it.”
“Which they already did. We let them fuel it again. And we let them run the pumps to make sure all the pickup boxes were full.”
“We give the teams every opportunity to try and meet minimum weight. We also have them plug in the water and run water through the system. To make sure they were full of water.”
Moran added, “We re-scaled it. Still didn’t meet the weight. We backed it off and run it across one more time. They are allowed a half percent of a weight break which is about 17 pounds. That is what they’re allowed and it was more than that.”
Charlotte Roval Results: October 13, 2024 (NASCAR Cup Series)
Hendrick Motorsports statement
Hendrick Motorsports stated on Sunday, “We are working to understand the issue and will make a decision Monday about whether to submit an appeal.”
On Monday, Hendrick issued an update:
“Hendrick Motorsports will not appeal the disqualification of the No. 48 car following Sunday’s race at the Charlotte Roval,” the statement opened.
“NASCAR allows a clear margin to account for the difference in pre- and post-race weight. After a thorough review by our team and the sanctioning body, we simply did not give ourselves enough margin to meet the post-race requirement.”
“Although unintentional, the infraction was avoidable. We are extremely disappointed to lose a playoff spot under these circumstances and apologize to our fans and partners.”
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NASCAR Cup Series
Point Standings
(After Penalty)
Points Entering: Las Vegas
(Race 1 of 3 in Round of 8)
Pos | Driver | Points
1. Kyle Larson
-33
2. Christopher Bell
+13
3. Tyler Reddick
+10
4. William Byron
+4
— Championship Cutline —
5. Ryan Blaney
-4
6. Denny Hamlin
-8
7. Chase Elliott
-9
8. Joey Logano
-11
Eliminated from playoffs
Alex Bowman
Austin Cindric
Daniel Suarez
Chase Briscoe
NASCAR Cup Series
Point Standings
(Before Penalty)
Points Entering: Las Vegas
(Race 1 of 3 in Round of 8)
Pos | Driver | Points
1. Kyle Larson
-33
2. Christopher Bell
+13
3. Tyler Reddick
+10
4. William Byron
+4
— Championship Cutline —
5. Ryan Blaney
-4
6. Denny Hamlin
-8
7. Chase Elliott
-9
8. Alex Bowman
-16
Eliminated from playoffs
Joey Logano
Austin Cindric
Daniel Suarez
Chase Briscoe
