NASCAR updates manufacturer penalties with new addition to rule book

In an effort to further clarify its rule book, NASCAR adjusted some language on race manipulation and also updated its section on manufacturer penalties.

NASCAR introduced some rulings on OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) that are a little more streamlined and less open to interpretation.

“NASCAR reserves the right to determine if an OEM has violated the NASCAR Rule Book and may impose penalties on the OEM or its representatives accordingly,” the new section on manufacturer penalties read. “The following framework serves as a general guidelines for assessing OEM penalties. The examples provided are illustrative and not exhaustive, offering clarity on the types and ranges of infractions that may result in penalties, should NASCAR determine enforcement is warranted.”

FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass provided a brief screenshot that shows a number of potential penalties for OEMs who are hit with infractions. You can view that below (click to see the full image).

NASCAR also has created a new section on manufacturer penalties to make those more defined (OEM is short for original equipment manufacturer) pic.twitter.com/niRinnZSD1

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 5, 2025

The clarifications on manufacturer penalties comes immediately after some tweaked verbiage on rules relating to race manipulation.

Those tweaks were one step toward curbing some of the behavior NASCAR saw at Martinsville in a playoff race last year. Multiple drivers drew scrutiny then for potential race manipulation that would impact the playoff standings as a handful of drivers pushed to finish in the final four.

Christopher Bell appeared to get an assist from fellow Toyota driver Bubba Wallace, who slowed down considerably, letting Bell pass, on the final lap.

Then there was Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon, who seemed to slow down and block the track up for William Byron so he wouldn’t lose any further positioning. It was a bad look all around for NASCAR. The new rules should help address that.

Now the race manipulation rule reads as follows:

“Any Member who attempts to improperly influence the outcome of the Event or encourages, persuades or induces others to do so shall be subject to penalties, as outlined in Section 10 Violations and Disciplinary Action. Prohibited actions include, but are not limited to, intentional planning or conduct that prioritizes objectives other than achieving the best possible competitive result for their team.”