NASCAR VP explains Carson Hocevar, Josh Berry penalties
NASCAR Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer took to SiriusXM Radio on Tuesday to explain the rationale behind a pair of penalties to Carson Hocevar and Josh Berry for brake checking over the weekend at Martinsville Speedway. First and foremost, the decision to issue the $100,000 fine to Hocevar and the $50,000 fine to Berry, plus 25 driver points each, came down to SMT data. NASCAR could…
NASCAR VP Elton Sawyer discussed the penalties handed out to Carson Hocevar and Josh Berry for brake-checking during the Martinsville Speedway race. The fines, totaling $150,000 and 25 points each, were based on data showing the drivers' intentional actions to damage the cars in front of them. Hocevar braked four times in front of Cindric, ignoring his spotter's warnings, while Berry braked once on corner exits.
NASCAR has been working to address the issue of drivers weaponizing the softer bumpers they requested, aiming to reduce the impact of collisions. The penalties were more severe for Hocevar due to his history of behavioral issues, but Sawyer emphasized that the decision was based on the evidence and not the suspension taken by Spire Motorsports.
NASCAR is considering whether to adjust the front bumpers further to balance safety and racing excitement on short tracks.
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