Why was Austin Dillon stripped of his automatic NASCAR Playoff spot?

After wrecking the cars of both Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano on the final lap of the race on his way to winning it, there was always the likelihood that Austin Dillon would be punished, and on Wednesday that became a reality.

Austin Dillon loses NASCAR playoff spot after controversial win

According to reports on Wednesday, the stock car racing governing body took the decision to sanction Richard Childress Racing’s driver, Austin Dillon. What that means is that the 34-year-old’s win in the Federated Auto Parts 400 will no longer count toward his playoff eligibility.

“After a full review of footage and data, NASCAR officials ruled Dillon’s victory would stand, but that his automatic berth in the 16-driver postseason field would be voided for violating Section 12.3.2.1.b of the NASCAR Rule Book, which deals with playoff eligibility and states: ‘Race finishes must be unencumbered by violation(s) of the NASCAR Rules or other action(s) detrimental to stock car auto racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR,’” NASCAR’s website stated.

It should also be said that Logano was fined $50,000 for angrily spinning his tires on the pit road in response, while Dillon’s spotter, Brandon Benesch, received a three-race suspension. As for Dillon himself, the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 seemed defiant in his response. “I don’t know, man. It’s just the rules of the sport, right?” Dillon said post-race. “It is what it is. Wins get you into the next round. I did what I had to do to cross the start/finish line first.” It is understood that Richard Childress Racing intends to appeal the decision. In terms of what comes next, the NASCAR Cup Series will be heading to the FireKeepers Casino 400 in the small town of Brooklyn, Michigan.