NASCAR reveals stricter penalty system for 2022

NASCAR’s updated penalty system includes much harsher consequences for violations, including the revoking of playoff eligibility. 

The updated L1 – L3 penalty structure comes just before the official introduction of the Next Gen car. The car signals big changes for race teams. A spec chassis will be manufactured for the teams by Technique Inc., there will be 18-inch aluminum wheels with a single center-locking lug nut, and a six-speed sequential manual transmission.

Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, said of the changes: “As we discussed during the test at Charlotte, and at length with teams over the offseason, the new deterrence model will be a culture shift for our industry.

“The car was a collaborative project,  designed to emphasize performance at the track and the unrivaled abilities of our teams, drivers and pit crews. There will be strong penalties for any teams who run contrary to that design so the fans can focus on our drivers and the great racing expected from NASCAR.”

A full breakdown of the updated penalty structure for the NASCAR Cup Series can be seen below:

Level 1 Penalty 

Level 1 (L1) penalties may include but are not limited to:

• Team sourced parts not meeting the NASCAR Rule Book not rising to a higher penalty level.
• Failure to meet minimum weight after the race.
• Failure to submit and receive approval of parts in accordance with the NASCAR Rule Book.

Penalty options:

• Loss of 20-75 points
• Loss of 1-10 playoff points
• 1-3 race suspension for team members
• 1 team event roster position subject to suspension
• $25,000 – $100,000 fine

Level 2 Penalty

Level 2 (L2) penalties may include but are not limited to:

• Modifications to Next Gen single source vendor supplied parts and/or assemblies not rising to an L3 penalty.
• Failure to meet the engine seal requirements.
• Major external engine parts, not part of the long block, that differ from what is required by the rules.
• Anything that alters or affects the engine control system wiring harness and/or the certified engine control system  wiring sub-harnesses.
• Onboard electronics not approved in advance by NASCAR.
• Violation of the Vehicle Testing Policy not rising to a higher Level.

Penalty options:

• Loss of 75-120 points
• Loss of 10-25 playoff points
• 4-6 race suspension for team members
• 1-2 team event roster positions subject to suspension
• $100,000 – $250,000 fine

Level 3 Penalty

Level 3 (L3) penalties may include but are not limited to:

• Counterfeiting or modifying Next Gen single source vendor supplied parts and/or assemblies.
• Engine infractions (e.g. cubic inch displacement, compression ratio, long block assembly, and/or internal parts) not meeting the rules.
• Engine performance enhancements (e.g. nitrous oxide, vacuum leaks, etc.).
• ECU/EFI parts not being used as the rules permit.
• Altering/modifying tires and/or fuel.
• Violating the Vehicle Testing Policy.

Penalty options:

• Loss of 120-180 points
• Loss of 25-50 playoff points
• No playoff eligibility for driver and/or team owner
• 6-race suspension for team member(s) on team roster
• 1-2 team event roster positions subject to suspension
• NASCAR could suspend the car number for one race
• $250,000 – $500,000 fine