NASCAR Issues Severe Penalty To Cup Series Driver Ahead Of All-Star Race

NASCAR has issued a severe penalty to Cup Series driver Chris Buescher and his RFK Racing team after a violation with the front bumper cover in Kansas.

The 32-year-old driver has been docked 60 championship points and five playoff points. The RFK Racing No. 17 Ford team was also docked 60 championship and five playoff points as well as being fined $75,000.

Buescher's crew chief Scott Graves has been suspended for the next two races starting from the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro.

According to NASCAR: "During inspection this week at the R&D Center in Concord, North Carolina, series officials discovered that the No. 17 Ford was in violation of Sections 14.1.C (overall assembled vehicle rules) and 14.5.4.G (front bumper cover) of the NASCAR Rule Book. The team went over the maximum reinforcement allowed for its front bumper covers.

"As a result, the team and driver Chris Buescher were each assessed with the loss of 60 championship points and five playoff points, and the team was fined $75,000. Additionally, crew chief Scott Graves has been suspended for the next two races through Charlotte."

Buescher was previously twelfth in the championship standings with 284 points. However, with the penalty taken into account, he is now 24th.

At this stage, RFK Racing, co-owned by Brad Keselowski, has not confirmed if it will appeal the decision.

When are the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star races at North Wilkesboro

Friday, 16 May

4.30 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Pit Road Qualifying Entry/Exit Practice

5 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Practice

6 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - Qualifying (All-Star Pit Crew Challenge)

Saturday, 17 May

5.10 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - All-Star Race Heat No. 1

6.15 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - All-Star Race Heat No. 2

Sunday, 18 May

5 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - All-Star Open

8 p.m. ET: NASCAR Cup Series - All-Star Race