NASCAR issues $75,000 fine and suspension after Kansas Speedway

NASCAR penalty report after Kansas Speedway

Chris Buescher and the RFK Racing No. 17 team has been issued an L1 penalty after Kansas Speedway.

The violation was discovered during a tear down at the NASCAR R&D Center after the race. The penalty was officially issued on Tuesday.

The penalty is related to the front bumper cover. NASCAR says the maximum 2 inches of reinforcement behind the front bumper foam had been exceeded.

View the NASCAR penalty report after Kansas Speedway below.

14.1.C: Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules: “Vehicles must comply with Section 14 Vehicle and Driver Safety Specifications of the NASCAR Rule Book at all times during an Event. Failure to comply will be subject to Penalty pursuant to Section 10 Violations and Disciplinary Action.”

14.5.4.G: Front Bumper Cover: “The front fascia may be strengthened on the inner surface with bonded on non-metallic materials in the area contacting the bumper foam and up to 2 inches further in all directions.”

RFK Racing does have the option to appeal the penalty.

The team has been fined a steep $75,000. They have also been docked 60 owner points, 60 driver points and 5 NASCAR Playoff driver and owner points.

In addition, the crew chief has been suspended for the next two events.

Brad Moran comments

Brad Moran is the NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director. He commented on the penalty earlier today.

“Unfortunately, the No. 17 did not meet the rule and had a larger area than what is permitted to be bonded into the nose piece,” Brad Moran stated via Hauler Talk.

“They can work in that area, but they went too far would be the simplest terms of putting it.”

NASCAR penalty system updated with possible $500k fine

RFK Racing statement

On Thursday, RFK Racing issued the following statement:

“RFK Racing acknowledges the penalties assessed by NASCAR to the No. 17 Ford Mustang following this past weekend’s race in Kansas,” the team opened.

“We remain committed to full compliance with NASCAR’s rules. At this time, we are carefully reviewing the details of the situation to determine if we file an appeal within the time frame allotted.”

Kansas Results: May 11, 2025 (NASCAR Cup Series)

NASCAR Cup Series
Penalty Report

Driver/Car: Chris Buescher (No. 17)

Date: 5/13/2025

Penalty Level: L1

Violation: Sections 14.1.C: Overall Assembled Vehicle Rules; 14.5.4.G: Front Bumper Cover

Penalty: Team has been fined $75,000 and assessed with the loss of 60 owner points, 60 driver points and 5 NASCAR Playoff driver and owner points. Crew chief (Scott Graves) has been suspended from the next two NASCAR Cup Series events, through Charlotte Motor Speedway.

If there is an appeal, the parts would be in the NASCAR hauler at Charlotte Motor Speedway, following the appeal decision. If there is no appeal, NASCAR will likely bring the parts to the garage area this weekend at North Wilkesboro and give a detailed video walkthrough of the violation.

Related: Largest NASCAR fine in history

Links

Kansas Speedway | NASCAR