The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series roared to life with the highly anticipated Daytona 500. The Crown Jewel of NASCAR lived up to its hype with wrecks and high-octane racing. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chase Briscoe made a blistering start to the season by securing a pole position for Toyota at the Daytona 500 for the first time this century and his performance continued in the main race as he finished strong in P4. However, just days after the race, NASCAR delivered shocking news.
NASCAR hit JGR with one of the harshest penalties in recent history after a post-race inspection revealed an illegal modification to the No. 19 car’s spoiler, a clear violation of the sport’s strict technical rules. The ruling sent ripples through the garage, as it not only affected the team financially but also set Briscoe’s championship hopes back significantly.
According to NASCAR, the car failed Section 14.1C&D&S of the NASCAR rulebook, which covers overall vehicle assembly, and Rule 14.5.8.A, which bans modifications to the spoiler. As a result, NASCAR handed down a severe L2-level penalty. The team was slapped with a staggering $100,000 fine and the consequences didn’t stop there. The team and Briscoe were each docked 100 points and 10 playoff points.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
This put Briscoe in a massive hole, as he now sits at -67 points just one race into the season. He will face an enormous challenge to qualify for the playoffs, as even if he wins every stage, the fastest lap, and the race in Atlanta, he will still be at a -5 entering the Circuit of The Americas! Adding to the punishment No.19 Toyota Crew chief James Small was suspended for four races. However, Joe Gibbs Racing wasted no time responding to the penalty. In a statement, the team announced that they would challenge the decision. JGR also blamed NASCAR for the issue, as parts were provided by them.
“Joe Gibbs Racing will appeal the penalty issued by NASCAR to the No. 19 Cup Series team today. The issue in question was caused in the assembly when bolts used to attach the spoiler base to the deck lid caused the pre-drilled hole to wear due to supplied part interference,” the statement reads. Notably, NASCAR supplies these parts for every team and JGR argues that the problem stemmed from the assembly process.
They also reveal that the modification was not intentional. The team believes the mistake was accidental, not a deliberate attempt to beat competitors. Notably, JGR is not the only team to receive penalties. NASCAR officials also cracked down on Front Row Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing for separate infractions. NASCAR officials found unsecured ballast in Todd Gilliland’s No. 34 car and Cody Ware’s No. 51 car before qualifying. They deducted 10 points from both drivers and their teams. While the decision shocked fans, many pointed to the so-called “Daytona curse” that affects pole sitters.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
NASCAR continues to curb Daytona 500 pole-sitters!
Winning the Daytona 500 pole is an honor, but in recent years, it has come with an unexpected downside, i.e. a penalty. Chase Briscoe is not the first driver to face a penalty after getting the pole at the Daytona 500. Last year, Joey Logano found himself at the center of controversy when NASCAR penalized him for using an illegal glove during qualifying.
Officials penalized Logano for altering his gloves to improve his grip on the steering wheel. NASCAR cited Rule 14.3.1.1, which governs driver safety equipment, and ruled that he had modified essential protective gear. As a result, they forced him to start at the rear of the field for the Daytona 500 and serve a pass-through penalty on pit road.
The decision sparked debate in the NASCAR community. Logano defended himself by saying that many drivers stick their hands out of the window. However, NASCAR stood firm, emphasizing that altering safety equipment was unacceptable. NASCAR Senior VP of Competition Elton Sawyer addressed the issue, stating, “We take safety very seriously. When you modify protective gear, it’s a problem. That’s why we acted immediately.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Now, in 2025, Briscoe has followed in Logano’s footsteps, but with an even more severe penalty. Unlike Logano, who only had to serve an in-race penalty, Briscoe’s punishment extends across multiple weeks and significantly affects his championship hopes. However, JGR is looking to challenge the decision, and Briscoe will hope for a turnaround. What do you think? Is the L2 penalty justified for Briscoe? Let us know in the comments below!