brad keselowski and chase elliott were both penalized at indianapolis

Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott Penalized at Indianapolis

During the NASCAR Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, both Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott faced penalties that significantly impacted their race outcomes. Keselowski was penalized for equipment interference, while Elliott encountered issues with unapproved adjustments to his car before the race began.

These penalties highlight the strict regulations NASCAR enforces and the impact even minor infractions can have on a driver’s performance and championship aspirations.

Keselowski’s Equipment Interference Penalty

Brad Keselowski’s penalty stemmed from an incident involving equipment interference. Specifically, a crew member was allegedly over the wall too early during a pit stop. NASCAR mandates strict rules regarding when crew members can service a car, and violations often result in drive-through penalties. Keselowski, driving the No. 6 Ford for RFK Racing, had to serve a drive-through penalty, which put him a lap down and significantly hampered his chances of contending for the win. The drive-through penalty dropped him to the tail end of the field, making it difficult to recover lost ground in the short time remaining.

Chase Elliott’s Unapproved Adjustments

Chase Elliott’s situation differed from Keselowski’s. Before the race even began, his No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet failed pre-race inspection due to unapproved adjustments. This violation led to a pass-through penalty after the green flag dropped. These penalties for pre-race infractions are used to ensure that all cars meet specifications prior to the start of the race. Details on inspection rules can be found on Wikipedia’s NASCAR Rules and Regulations. Elliott had to drop to the rear of the field after the race started to serve the penalty and then work his way back through the pack.

Impact on Race Results and Points Standings

Both penalties had considerable implications for Keselowski and Elliott. Keselowski, already fighting to secure a spot in the playoffs, saw his chances diminish significantly. Elliott’s penalty also created an uphill battle for him. Despite both drivers showing strong pace at times during the race, the penalties hindered their ability to capitalize on their car’s potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Brad Keselowski penalized?

Brad Keselowski was penalized for equipment interference during a pit stop.

What penalty did Chase Elliott receive?

Chase Elliott received a pass-through penalty for unapproved adjustments made to his car before the race.

How do NASCAR penalties affect drivers?

NASCAR penalties can significantly impact a driver’s race position, points standings, and overall championship chances.

What is equipment interference in NASCAR?

Equipment interference typically refers to a crew member violating rules regarding when they can service the car during a pit stop, such as being over the wall too early.

What are unapproved adjustments in NASCAR?

Unapproved adjustments are modifications made to a car that do not comply with NASCAR’s strict technical specifications, discovered during pre-race inspection.

Summary

The Indianapolis race proved to be a challenging one for Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott. Both drivers faced penalties that derailed their chances of a strong finish. Keselowski’s equipment interference penalty and Elliott’s penalty for unapproved adjustments underscore the importance of adhering to NASCAR’s regulations and the impact even minor infractions can have on a driver’s race.