The No. 00 Stewart-Haas Racing team has been penalized following last week’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Michigan Int’l Speedway. During pre-race inspection, NASCAR confiscated the front-splitter.
Cole Custer, driver of the No. 00 Ford Mustang, and the team were docked 20 driver and owner points. Crew chief Jonathan Toney was fined $25,000. The team will also be penalized five playoff points.
The infractions were determined after further inspection of the team’s splitter at the NASCAR R&D Center in Concord, North Carolina. Officials cited Sections 14.4.3.C&H in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Rule Book. Section C states that “except as specified, splitters must be used exactly as supplied from the manufacturer,” with requirements and reference dimensions provided in an attached drawing. Section H states that “rounding of any edges of the splitter will not be permitted.”
Custer remains fourth in the Xfinity Series standings, but is now 106 points behind championship leader John Hunter Nemechek.
Through 21 races this season, Custer and the No. 00 team have two victories at Portland (Ore.) and Chicago, along with 12 top-10 finishes.