Austin Dillon penalty, explained: Why NASCAR barred driver from playoffs in unprecedented punishment

Austin Dillon appeared to have secured a spot in this year's Cup Series playoffs in thrilling — and perhaps unsavory — fashion with his win at last week's Cook Out 400.

NASCAR had other ideas.

On Wednesday, the organization levied a punishment toward Dillon and his team, Richard Childress Racing. NASCAR announced that Dillon's win will not count toward postseason eligibility, an unprecedented move that has already shaken up the Cup Series standings.

Dillon, a five-time race winner, captured the checkered flag at Richmond last week after wrecking not one but two drivers, Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin. He appeared to have captured a berth in the Cup Series playoffs, as well. That didn't come to fruition, in the end. Now, Dillon finds himself way outside the cut line.

Here's what you need to know.

Austin Dillon penalty, explained

Dillon appeared to have taken home a win — and a playoff berth — after sending Logano and Hamlin into the wall on back-to-back moves. On Wednesday, NASCAR revealed that Dillon's win would, indeed, stand on the official records. However, he wouldn't be permitted entry into the Cup Series playoffs for the result. He'll have to win one of his final three races to get himself into the Big Dance legitimately.

The decision hinges on NASCAR finding that Dillon violated Section 12.3.2.1.b of NASCAR's rule book that 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.”

Dillon also saw the five playoff points he received for his win at Richmond evaporate under the late-summer sun. His team was also handed penalties for their actions during the final lap, with NASCAR docking both Dillon and RCR 25 points from the driver's and owner's standings. Dillon's spotter, Brandon Benesch, was also suspended three races after radio transmission revealed that Benesch recommended Dillon wreck Hamlin as he attempted to pass the No. 3 car right before it reached the start/finish line.

“I think in all due respect to the appeal process, we looked at this and the totality of everything that happened as you enter Turn 3 and as the cars got to the start/finish line,” NASCAR senior vice president of competition Elton Sawyer said. “So, as we look through all of that data, we came to the conclusion that a line had been crossed. Our sport has been based going for many, many years — forever — on good, hard racing. Contact has been acceptable. We felt like, in this case, that the line was crossed.”

NASCAR's findings see Dillon fall from 26th to 31st in the Cup Series standings. He'll need an unencumbered win in the final three races to qualify for the postseason.

NASCAR playoff standings 2024

Here's a look at the Cup Series playoff standings following Wednesday's announcement. The top-16 drivers will take part in the postseason.

*NASCAR ruled that Austin Dillon's win at Richmond will not count toward eligibility for the Cup Series Playoffs.