NASCAR, Joe Gibbs Racing disclose what led to disqualification

NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing revealed Monday what led to the disqualification of the cars of Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch after Sunday’s Cup race at Pocono Raceway.

NASCAR stated that “extra layers of vinyl” on the lower fascia of the cars were the culprit.

The lower fascia is the bottom part of the car’s nose. It attaches to the splitter. 

Wally Brown, director of competition for Joe Gibbs Racing said in a statement Monday afternoon that “a single piece of clear tape was positioned over each of the lower corners of the front fascia (of the cars of Hamlin and Busch) ahead of the left-front and right-front wheel openings on both those cars. The added pieces were 2 inches wide and 5 ½ inches long with a thickness of 0.012 inches and installed under the wrap.”

Brown went on to say in the statement: “This change in our build process was not properly vetted within our organization and we recognize it is against NASCAR’s rules. We apologize to everyone for this mistake, and we have made changes to our processes to ensure that it does not happen again.”

Brad Moran, managing director of the Cup Series, said Sunday night that the alterations “affect (the) aero of the vehicle.”

Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition, spoke more about the penalty Monday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio after Joe Gibbs Racing did not file an appeal before the deadline. Chase Elliott is the winner of Sunday’s race, while Hamlin is credited with finishing 35th and Busch is credited with finishing last in the 36-car field.

NASCAR stated Sunday night that the issue was found in post-race inspection. That is when NASCAR removes a portion of the car’s wrap during the teardown. Series officials do not remove a car’s wrap in pre-race inspection