NASCAR makes big decision on Austin Dillon’s playoff eligibility

NASCAR decided by citing a rule that says race victories must be “unencumbered by violation(s) of the NASCAR Rules or other action(s) detrimental to stock car auto racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.”

Dillon and his team, Richard Childress Racing, can appeal the decision. It is still being determined if they will do so.

The finish at Richmond was sharply criticized, as Dillon spun out Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin in a two-lap overtime sprint to win the race. Both Logano and Hamlin were furious with the race, and Hamlin took aim at NASCAR for initially doing nothing to punish Dillon for what he saw as reckless and dangerous driving.

Dillon would have received an automatic playoff berth for the win at Richmond, his first of the season. The other route to entry is driver rankings, but even before being docked points, Dillon was 26th in that department. This means Dillon is back where he was previously: in need of a win to clinch a playoff berth, this time with three races to go.