Alex Bowman’s journey in the NASCAR Playoffs came to a sudden halt due to the disqualification of his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet at the Charlotte Roval. The car was found to be underweight during a post-race check, resulting in Bowman’s elimination from the playoffs.
This incident opened the door for Joey Logano, a two-time Cup Series champion, to advance into the Round of 8. Following this, Brad Keselowski weighed in on the matter, recalling a similar experience he had.
The Charlotte Roval, known for its intricate mix of oval and infield road course, had strict rules that dictate that cars must weigh at least 3,400 pounds, including the driver and fuel. There’s a slight allowance of 0.5 percent (about 17 pounds) after the race to accommodate natural weight loss.
Despite their attempts to rectify the situation by adding fuel, Bowman’s car still didn’t meet the weight requirement, leading to his disheartening playoff exit.
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Hendrick Motorsports, renowned for its historic presence in NASCAR with legends like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, chose not to contest the ruling. They accepted their error regarding the weight issue, which was a significant disappointment for the team hoping to have all their drivers advance further in the playoffs.
Keselowski expressed his sympathy for Bowman, reflecting on his own disqualification at Martinsville Speedway in 2022. He shared his thoughts with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, stating, “I empathize with the 48 team. It’s unfortunate to see a playoff team sidelined like that.”
Keselowski recalled how his own team faced a similar penalty after a lengthy race where factors beyond their control led them to fall below the weight limit. “It didn’t feel like anything serious to us,” he noted, emphasizing his understanding of the challenges teams face during races.
The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are now gearing up for the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, crucial for drivers vying to secure a spot in the Championship 4.