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NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman seemingly advanced to the round of eight of the playoffs after finishing 18th in Sunday’s Bank of America Roval 400 in Charlotte.
However, Bowman was disqualified after the race when his car failed to meet the minimum weight requirements in post-race inspection. That meant Bowman was relegated to last place, moving two-time series champion Joey Logano into the eighth and final spot in the next round.
Bowman and Hendrick Motorsports could well appear the penalty. However, evidence suggests that an appeal could not only fail but also result in additional penalties for his team.
— Andrew (@Basso488) October 14, 2024
NASCAR Driver Alex Bowman May Have Lost Ballast During Charlotte Race
Video from early in the race shows Bowman driving over curbing at the final turn of the course. When he does, two objects appear to fly off of the car.
Both media members and fans have speculated that the items that came off the car were ballast. Ballast is a 2 5/8 x 3 5/8” x 6 block of tungsten that weighs 35 pounds. It is used by NASCAR teams to ensure their cars meet the minimum weight under the rules.
However, due to its density, it is extremely dangerous should it fall off a car and another car hit it while racing.
If this “chunk” is worth 17 pounds, then it’s probably a piece of ballast and should result in an even bigger penalty for safety reasons. https://t.co/DZ3WIQIRqZ
— Rob Blount (@RobBlount) October 14, 2024
This is why NASCAR has severe penalties for any team that loses a piece of unsecured ballast on the track. If Bowman appeals and NASCAR determines that it was ballast that flew off Bowman’s car, not only would he likely lose the appeal, he’d also likely face further punishment.
The penalty for separation of ballast from a car in the Cup Series is a four-race suspension of the Crew Chief, Car Chief, and Head Engineer. While it does not include a points penalty, it’s unlikely that Bowman would win his appeal if NASCAR determines that was why the car was underweight.
Even if NASCAR rules it was not ballast it’s still hard to see Bowman and Hendrick winning an appeal. Should they determine the underweight car was due to striking the curb, Bowman would still be at fault for doing so.
It’s an unfortunate end to a previously impressive playoff run. But it’s hard to see any way NASCAR reverses its ruling.