by H. Mayor / photo: NASCAR

There is a downside to Joey Logano’s spectacular win in Richmond. Penska’s number 22 achieved his first triumph of the season in a difficult race in which he displayed a flawless strategy, particularly at the end. This however will not compute for the classification or will be considered for an automatic Playoff spot.

The later inspection of his vehicle by the Research and Development Centre from NASCAR spotted a number of ‘irregularities’ which led to the subsequent penalty. Although Logano is still the winner of the race he will not be able to use the victory to qualify for the Playoffs and, if he does go through to the postseason, he will not be allowed to add on any points for this win. Issues were specifically found in relation to the rear suspension of the Ford 22.

Team Penske is not planning to appeal the sanction although they have declared to feel ‘disappointed’. They issued this statement following the announcement from NASCAR: “We understand and accept the penalty that was communicated to us today by NASCAR following last weekend’s victory by the No. 22 car at Richmond. We are disappointed by the notice, however, we do not plan to appeal the penalty. The No. 22 team remains focused on competing for wins as we work towards the NASCAR Playoffs and a Championship.”

Fine

Logano’s crew chief, Todd Gordon, was also fined $50,000 and suspended for the next two Cup series races. The next challenge at Talladega Superspeedway will count on Miles Stanley (usual race engineer) as crew chief while Greg Erwin will take on race strategy.
The first of Logano’s triumphs this year leaves behind an extraordinary job by the strategy team which swiftly adapted to the different entrances and exits from the boxes and to a road dynamic marked by constant interruptions.