It’s true that at the end of every season, no matter how well or poorly a team performed, their tally is reset for the next season. However, for the 2022 season of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Mike Harmon Racing won’t be starting at the same level as other teams, and not in a good way.
The team was found to do unauthorized ‘testing’ of their NASCAR vehicle, in violation of Sections 5.1 A, C & D of the NASCAR rulebook. These sections basically prohibit any NASCAR team for their car to be testing, practicing, qualifying, or racing other than in a NASCAR Series event.
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Violation of these rules can have serious consequences which MHR now faces.
They will begin their 2022 season with a 75 point deficit in both championships. Along with that, crew chief Ryan Bell got a $50,000 penalty and an exclusion from at least six races.
NASCAR has issued a major penalty to Mike Harmon and his team. They violated the vehicle testing policy, which was documented on the team’s social media accounts (see attached). Docked 75 driver/owner points for ‘22, crew chief fined $50k and suspended for six races. pic.twitter.com/yoIrIRqe3H
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 22, 2021
Mike Harmon Racing will appeal
Team Owner Mike Harmon explained they had ‘no earthly idea’ that taking part in a charity event will lead them to this reality. He revealed his surprise when a NASCAR Official communicated the penalties his team will face.
“It just dumbfounded me. I thought he (NASCAR official) was joking. I seriously thought he was just picking on me when he called,” Harmon said to Kickin’ the Tires.
Harmon also revealed that they will ‘absolutely’ appeal this decision from NASCAR. The team owner also put up a note on the team’s official social media accounts.
— Mike Harmon Racing (@mhrracing) November 23, 2021
Harmon emphasized that the reason for which they apparently broke the rules is ‘a joke’.
That it has no connection with their intentions or the circumstances of their participation in the event. He explained that when they can’t even afford to race, how can they afford to test?
“We were there with a generator to prime the oil and a jack to change tires if we had a flat. We didn’t have nothing there to test with.”
For a team of the size and stature of MHR, NASCAR’s decision could seriously harm them. Team Owner and driver Mike Harmon will hope that NASCAR repeals the judgement and the penalty, so they compete fairly in the Xfinity Series in 2022.
Also Read: NASCAR Unveils Brand New Practice and Qualifying Format for the 2022 Season
