NASCAR reinstates Austin Dillon crew member Nicholas Covey after suspension for violation substance abuse policy

NASCAR has officially reinstated Austin Dillon pit crew member Nicholas Covey after an indefinite suspension for a violation of the organization’s substance abuse policy.

Covey was suspended indefinitely back on April 16.

At the time, details were not made available as to the nature of the suspension, beyond the fact that it was for a violation of the NASCAR’s substance abuse policy. Covey gets reinstated just shy of a month from his initial suspension.

Nicholas Covey was a jackman for the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet as recently as the April 7 race at Martinsville Speedway. He was a linebacker at Nebraska from 2005 to 2009.

Austin Dillon is currently sitting in 31st place in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, with 167 total points. He has made 13 starts this season and had only one top 10 finish, while he has led zero laps.

Jimmie Johnson to pull unusual NASCAR double

Jimmie Johnson has already accomplished so much during his motorsports career, and he’s making another unique piece of history later this month.

On Tuesday, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion revealed via press release that he’s joining NBC Sports for some broadcasting coverage over the remainder of the 2024 campaign, and he’ll also contribute to the coverage of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26.

That’s special because afterwards, the Legacy Motor Club co-owner will race in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It’s not the conventional version like Kyle Larson is doing, but Johnson is pulling the double.

“Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is joining NBC Sports’ motorsports coverage for four races in 2024,” a press release read. “Johnsonwill contribute to pre-race and race coverage of NBC Sports’ presentation of the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 from iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) on May 26 on NBC and Peacock, bolstering NBC Sports’ robust presentation of the historic event. Previously, Johnson contributed to studio coverage at the 2021 iteration of the event.

“He will also serve as an analyst on NBC Sports’ NASCAR coverage of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona Superspeedway on Aug. 24 and the YellaWood 500 from Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, one of three playoff races in the Round of 12. In addition, Johnson will contribute to NBC Sports’ coverage for select NASCAR races in which he is competing this year, including the NASCAR Cup Series Championship from Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10.”

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this report.