Following a triple-header weekend at Pocono Raceway, NASCAR chose to take the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet of Chase Elliott and the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota of Christopher with them back to the R&D Center for further inspection.
Both cars were fine, but that was not the case for the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet that took part in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday. Chase Elliott was driving the car at Pocono, earning pole position and leading 38 of 100 laps before finishing fourth. But apparently, something was not quite right with the car.
NASCAR has issued an L1 penalty to Hendrick Motorsports, which fields the No. 17 on a part-time basis in the Xfinity Series. They violated Sections 14.3.3.2.1.1 K&L of the NASCAR Rule Book, which focuses on the main frame rail conical receivers. The team reportedly modified these receivers in some way.
As a result, Hendrick Motorsports have been assessed the loss of 40 owner points and ten playoff points, but this doesn't impact them much as they aren't competing for the championship in that series. However, they were also fined $40,000 and crew chief Adam Wall has been suspended for the next three races.
Hendrick have entered the No. 17 in ten (of 16) races so far this year with Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Alex Bowman, and Corey Day as the drivers. They have two wins, capturing the checkered flag with Larson at Bristol and Byron at Charlotte.
Hendrick Motorsports will not appeal the penalties.
There were no other issues in this week's penalty report. The No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet (NASCAR Xfinity) of Christian Eckes also went to the R&D Center and like the previously mentioned Cup cars, there were no problems.
