Earlier that the Charlotte Roval, there was a bit of a controversial finish. Late in the race, Chase Briscoe was behind Austin Dillon and Cole Custer, battling for position. Inexplicably, Custer braked extremely early, and Briscoe shot by, gaining two positions. Now, Custer’s actions have put him under the scanner. Many were reminded of when a controversial finish denied Jeff Gordon, who was later reinstated.
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Chase Briscoe was battling to try and stay in the competition to enter the Round of 8. If he snuck in, it would be at the expense of defending Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson. Naturally, two free positions were enough to seal his spot, especially with Larson struggling at the rear. Custer is under investigation and an answer is expected within the week.
What is the Jeff Gordon connection with this situation?
Back in 2013, there were allegations of race-fixing at the Richmond International Raceway. In the mess, NASCAR elected to open up an extra slot for Jeff Gordon who had lost out by one point. His eight-place finish was not enough to unseat Penske Racing’s Joey Logano.
This just in, Jeff Gordon added to the field of 9
Plot twist: Jeff Gordon is being added to what is now called the “Field of 9.”
They are going to add Jeff Gordon as the 9th driver
NASCAR is reviewing the 41 data and audio to determine Custer's role in helping Briscoe pick up spots. Any findings will not alter the field of eight.
It's going to be the field of 8 plus 1 isn't it ? Just like Gordon being added to the chase in 2013.
NASCAR is reviewing the 41 data and audio to determine Custer's role in helping Briscoe pick up spots. Any findings will not alter the field of eight.
NASCAR statement continued: This is because Jeff Gordon has been added to the Round of 9
Apparently, there was evidence that Penske struck a deal with fellow Ford team Front Row Motorsports. In that instance, FRM driver David Gilliland surrendered 22nd place to Logano without a fight, in the closing laps. This gave Logano one extra point, which was enough to edge out the Hendrick Motorsports legend.
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MARTINSVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 28: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, stands on the grid prior to qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Goody’s Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 28, 2016 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
In light of this, Penske and Front Row Motorsports were placed on probation for the 2013 season. Additionally, they offered Jeff Gordon a second chance as a ninth driver in the Round of 8.
NASCAR over here sounding like the FIA
Possible penalty coming for Cole Custer after it appeared he helped Chase Briscoe. NASCAR statement:
Prepare for Jeff Gordon to join the round of 9
NASCAR is reviewing data, video and radio transmissions from the 41 car following its incident on the backstretch during the final lap. NASCAR will communicate the results of the review early this week. Any potential penalties would not affect the Round of 8 field.
I cant wait for Jeff Gordon to get added to the round of 9!
Fast-forward to nearly a decade later, and this time it is Custer and Stewart-Haas Racing, who are in trouble. One has to wonder what kind of action the NASCAR officials will take this time around. When they do, will it affect Larson or Briscoe, or both of them?
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