NASCAR penalizes Chris Buescher 60 points for front bumper assembly violation at Kansas

NASCAR Penalizes Chris Buescher 60 Points for Front Bumper Assembly Violation at Kansas

NASCAR has handed down a significant penalty to Chris Buescher and the No. 17 RFK Racing team following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. The sanctioning body docked Buescher 60 driver points and levied a $75,000 fine against crew chief Scott Graves after discovering an illegal front bumper assembly on the car. This infraction represents a major setback for Buescher in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series standings and raises concerns over technical compliance within the highly competitive sport.

The Violation

Following standard post-race inspections at Kansas Speedway, NASCAR officials found that the front bumper assembly of Buescher’s No. 17 Ford Mustang did not conform to the rulebook. According to NASCAR, the part was modified in a way that violated Section 14.1 and 14.5.6.2 of the NASCAR Rule Book, which govern vehicle assembly and aerodynamic body elements. This was classified as an L2-level penalty—one of the more serious categories under NASCAR’s modern penalty system.

NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, Elton Sawyer, explained that the issue involved unapproved alterations to the shape and surface of the front bumper cover. These changes could potentially offer an aerodynamic advantage by increasing front downforce or reducing drag—key performance factors in a sport where hundredths of a second can determine race outcomes. “We found that the part had been manipulated in a way that isn’t consistent with the single-source supplier specifications,” Sawyer said during a press conference. “This goes beyond a gray area; it was a clear violation.”

Impact on Chris Buescher and RFK Racing

The 60-point deduction is a serious blow for Chris Buescher, who had been enjoying a strong start to the season. The penalty drops him significantly in the championship standings and puts added pressure on the team to perform in upcoming races to stay playoff-eligible. For context, a 60-point penalty is roughly equivalent to losing the points from an entire race win, dramatically altering the trajectory of a driver’s season.

In addition to the points deduction, crew chief Scott Graves was fined $75,000 and suspended for two races. That absence will have a notable impact on team performance and strategy. Graves has been instrumental in the recent resurgence of RFK Racing, and his leadership on race weekends is considered vital to Buescher’s success. Without him atop the pit box, the team will have to rely on interim leadership, which could disrupt race-day communication and decisions.

Team co-owner Brad Keselowski, who also drives the No. 6 car for RFK Racing, addressed the penalty in a measured tone. “We respect NASCAR’s decision, even though it’s disappointing,” Keselowski said. “We’ll evaluate the situation internally and make sure we’re in full