
NASCAR officials likely had a busy start to their week reviewing incidents from Sunday's Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway but will hand down no penalties to drivers following the eero 400.
Two crashes in Sunday's race were of particular interest in regard to potential penalties: Shane van Gisbergen spinning Austin Hill and Zane Smith spinning Carson Hocevar. None of those drivers were penalized when NASCAR issued its weekly penalty report on Tuesday.
Van Gisbergen, who has had run-ins with Hill this season at Pocono and San Diego, spun Hill in turn 3, which led to Hill hitting the wall hard. Team owner Richard Childress called for NASCAR to look into what he called a "blatant move," while Hill took it upon himself to hit van Gisbergen under caution in retaliation, which may have brought him under the microscope.
Hill was knocked out of the race and finished 37th, while van Gisbergen finished 25th.
No penalties for intentional wrecking from Chicagoland and the Hamlin and Bowman cars all good at R&D. Only penalty is two-race suspensions to two Clements pit crew members for wheel coming off.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 7, 2026
The key to van Gisbergen escaping without a penalty may have been a lack of incriminating communication over the radio.
Meanwhile, Smith spun Hocevar while also taking himself out in turns 1 and 2. Both drivers were able to finish the race after hitting the wall, with Hocevar and Smith finishing 22nd and 28th, respectively.
Retaliation isn't expected for either incident at the high-speed drafting track of Atlanta this weekend, but if these four drivers are around each other at the short track of North Wilkesboro on July 19, don't be surprised if some contact is made.
More must-reads:
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!