'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAf/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACBP/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAmwlX/8QAIBAAAQQCAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgEDBBEABQYhJDEzQv/aAAgBAQABPwCFoGB7Sejh06MeQIPKoCRfKX5rD4ZpAMhXXl0WveWf/8QAGhEAAQUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgABAwQREv/aAAgBAgEBPwC1KQZy6//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAEf/aAAgBAwEBPwANv//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Insider Bob Pockrass clarified the suspension laws in NASCAR as he confirmed that a driver's suspension from a race is treated as 'non-medical.' Furthermore, the driver also loses all their playoff points after missing the race.
The rules and regulations in the sport ensure fair competition in the sport. In addition to that, the playoff system adds additional excitement to the long season as drivers battle for their eligibility in every single race. While the most basic criteria to qualify for the playoffs is to win a race during the Cup Series season, there are some other rules too such as full-time participation and scoring points that season, meaning a part-time driver cannot qualify for the top 16.
Trending
Recently, Bob Pockrass cleared the air regarding one such rule about suspension after the authorities revealed some new regulations ahead of the 2025 season. Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) account, he mentioned that the authorities would treat a race suspension as non-medical, meaning a driver's playoff point would be reset. He also mentioned that he had confirmed this with the authorities.
"Did confirm with NASCAR, if a driver is suspended for a race, it is considered non-medical and that driver would lose all playoff points for the season and start playoffs with 2000. To me, that makes a suspension for intentionally wrecking someone/manipulating a race quite big."
The authorities also have the right to cancel a driver's playoff qualification based on certain aspects. For example, during the 2024 Cup Series season, Austin Dillon technically qualified after winning at Richmond Raceway. However, his final conversation with his crew came back to bite him as it seemed to have wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin intentionally on the final lap.
Following an investigation into the matter, NASCAR canceled his playoff spot but allowed him to keep the win.
Bob Pockrass clarifies doubt regarding Austin Dillon-like suspension in NASCAR
As the new rules were discussed, a user raised concerns about the legitimacy of a race win like Austin Dillon's at Richmond, and whether the new rules would allow another driver to pull off an act like that and still be eligible for the playoff.
Clearing the air, Pockrass wrote that the authorities would still require the driver to win the race by following all the rules and there should be no manipulation of the end result in any way. Only then can a driver be eligible for the final championship fight.
"This rule still exists to have a win advance you to the playoffs: 'Race finishes 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.'"
The authorities sometimes provide a 'waiver' to drivers who miss races for legitimate or medical reasons. In the 2024 season, for example, Kyle Larson was given a waiver after he missed the Coca-Cola 600 because he was attempting the Indy-Charlotte double.
