NASCAR penalizes Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club for illegal modification

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Erik Jones and his Legacy Motor Club team have been slapped with penalties from NASCAR for illegal modifications on their vehicle. 

NASCAR found that Jones’ team had modified the greenhouse, the area above the door and between the front and rear windows, on his No. 43 vehicle. 

In turn, NASCAR hit crew chief Dave Elenz with a $75,000 fine as well as a one-race suspension. So he won’t be able to participate with the Jones team at Sonoma this weekend.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Erik Jones, driver of the #43 Bommarito.com Chevrolet, enters his car during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on June 03, 2023 in Madison, Illinois. (Jeff Curry/Getty Images)

NASCAR also hit Jones and Legacy Motor Group with a 60-point deduction as well as five NASCAR playoff points. Jones was in 26th place with 245 points, but has since moved to 30th with 185 points. 

The greenhouse infraction was the same thing Hendrick Motorsports dealt with in terms of violations earlier this year.

There is, however, an option for Jones and Legacy Motor Group to appeal the penalty. 

ED CARPENTER RACING ENDS RELATIONSHIP WITH CONOR DALY ‘EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY’

Joey Cohen, Legacy Motor Group’s vice president of race operations who will also be replacing Elenz as crew chief this weekend, said they haven’t determined what to do just yet with the penalty.

"We have been diligently working with NASCAR regarding the penalty and are working internally to determine the course of action in response," Cohen said, via FOX Sports. "We will announce that decision within the timeframe determined by the NASCAR Rule Book."

E