“Turn Into a S**tshow”—Kaulig Racing Spotter Admits That He Wanted His Team to Lose Amid Hendrick Motorsports Drama

For the past week, the NASCAR community has been abuzz with what’s been happening at Hendrick Motorsports. Earlier this year, it transpired that they had modified the hood louvers in all four of their cars, which was against the rules. Naturally, the #5, #9, #24, and #48 teams of HMS were punished with a loss of 100 drivers’ and owners’ points each, 10 Playoff points each, a combined $400,000 fine, and all four crew chiefs suspended for four races. Following an appeal, the points penalties were rescinded, and that triggered a massive backlash.

In a recent episode of the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Kaulig Racing spotter Brett Griffin said, “I think Hendrick wins more appeals than anybody else. […] Jordan [Bianchi] had an article, he gave crew chiefs anonymity and he talked to nine crew chiefs. They’re essentially saying, ‘This is going to turn into a s**tshow.’

“‘Cause now, how are you going to get a penalty again? The only thing that matters to these teams is points. The crew chiefs being suspended is a joke because they are still calling the race from wherever they are.” 

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“That penalty is a joke and then you get $400,000 across four teams, Rick don’t care about that. When you lose 400 point across four teams, that matters,” He added.

TALLADEGA, AL – APRIL 24: Kyle Larson 5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, William Byron 24 Hendrick Motorsports Liberty University Chevrolet and Chase Elliott 9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet run together during the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series GEICO 500 race on April 24, 2022 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire AUTO: APR 24 NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 Icon9532204241183500 | Credits: Imago

What else did Brett Griffin say about the Hendrick Motorsports situation?

Griffin even compared this saga to the one facing his own team, Kaulig Racing. The organization has similar penalties to HMS, with a $100,000 fine, loss of 100 owners’ and drivers’ points, and 10 Playoff points deducted. They appealed as well and managed to get the sentence reduced to 75 points instead of 100. According to Griffin, the impact was lowered because of the point restoration, Griffin even said that he had hoped for Kaulig Racing to not get away as easily.

He continued, “Alex went from like mid-teams in points to the point leader. That’s a big penalty. The only penalty that hurt them was what they got back. I love Kaulig Racing, I’ve been there forever. I almost hoped that they lose their appeal just to see the world burn on Wednesday.”

One thing is for sure, there has been a lot of debate about whether HMS is getting favorable treatment. With the team getting their punishment amended and the other team being unable to get a similar verdict, the argument seems to ring true to most ears.

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