Chris Buescher’s pathway to making the 2025 NASCAR playoffs became significantly more difficult on May 15.
Buescher and the No. 17 RFK Racing team were penalized 60 driver points and five playoff points for an L1-level infraction following inspection at the R&D Center this week post-Kansas race.
The team was also fined $75,000, and crew chief Scott Graves is suspended for two races beginning with the non-points paying NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro this weekend.
NASCAR cited portions of the rule book dealing with the front bumper cover and vehicle assembly in issuing the penalty.
RFK Racing issued a statement on May 15, stating that the team was evaluating options ahead of a decision to appeal.
Buescher slides to 24th in the Cup Series standings after leaving Kansas in 14th in the playoff picture with a solid cushion to the cutline. That cushion is gone.
- Kyle Larson (3 wins)
- Christopher Bell (3 wins)
- Denny Hamlin (2 wins)
- William Byron (1 win)
- Joey Logano (1 win)
- Austin Cindric (1 win)
- Josh Berry (1 win)
- Chase Elliott +134 ahead of playoff cutline
- Ryan Blaney +118
- Tyler Reddick +113
- Alex Bowman +81
- Bubba Wallace +66
- Ross Chastain +56
- Chase Briscoe +34
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. +14
- Ryan Preece +7
- Kyle Busch -14 points behind 16th
- John Hunter Nemechek -17
- Carson Hocevar -21
- Michael McDowell -23
- Austin Dillon -24
- Zane Smith -24
- Todd Gilliland -24
- Chris Buescher -27
- AJ Allmendinger -33
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