Playoff Driver Ryan Blaney got a reprieve from NASCAR a day after suffering a huge setback in his championship run.
NASCAR canceled Blaney disqualified from Sunday’s Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and restored the Team Penske driver’s stage and finish positions.
Blaney crossed the finish line in sixth place Sunday in his No. 12 Ford, but was disqualified from the event and placed last after a post-race technical inspection determined that the left front shock absorber of the car did not have the required length of 22.55 inches. , as set out in article 14.11.3.5 of the regulations.
However, in a statement released Monday, the series said it discovered an issue with the model used during the inspection process.
“After further review of the inspection process throughout this weekend’s events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NASCAR has rescinded Disqualification Penalty No. 12,” the release read.
“On Monday morning, during the race weekend debrief, NASCAR discovered a problem with the shock jig used for inspection. NASCAR then conducted a detailed investigation and reinstated the stage and race finishing positions of the No. 12 as of Sunday.
“NASCAR has taken internal steps to address this issue going forward.”
In addition to the 39 points Blaney earned from his race result, he collected five additional points for finishing sixth in the first stage and three points for an eighth-place finish in the second stage.
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This reversal moves Blaney from last place among eight remaining drivers eligible for the title in seventh place, reducing its deficit from the provisional elimination line from 56 to 17 points.
Team Penske responded with a statement Monday evening, applauding NASCAR’s decision.
“We are pleased with NASCAR’s decision to reverse the post-race disqualification of the No. 12 car following Sunday’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway,” the statement said. “NASCAR demonstrated tremendous integrity throughout the process that led to this conclusion. We are proud of the efforts and results of the No. 12 team during the 2023 season. We look forward to continuing the quest for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
