Sun Feb 23 23:50:00 UTC 2025: ## NASCAR Docks Briscoe 100 Points, Suspends Crew Chief After Daytona 500
**DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –** Chase Briscoe’s strong start to the NASCAR Cup Series season with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has been significantly hampered following a post-Daytona 500 penalty. NASCAR docked Briscoe 100 points and suspended his crew chief, James Small, for four races due to an unauthorized modification to the spoiler base on Briscoe’s car.
Briscoe, who won the pole position and finished fourth in the “Great American Race,” now faces a daunting task to make the playoffs. His penalty leaves him with a -67 point total, a significant 89 points behind the current playoff cutoff. Even if he qualifies, he will lose an additional 10 playoff points.
JGR attributed the infraction to a wear issue on pre-drilled holes caused by interference from other parts during the spoiler base’s assembly. NASCAR’s investigation, which included a thorough inspection of Briscoe’s car (and that of Austin Cindric) at its research and development center, revealed modifications to the spoiler base mounting points – a violation because the base is a single-source part, prohibiting team modifications. Cindric’s car passed inspection.
Small’s suspension can begin either this weekend at Atlanta or the following weekend at Circuit of Americas. The team can also request a deferral pending the outcome of an appeal. The penalty leaves Briscoe’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, requiring a win in one of the remaining 25 regular-season races to secure a spot.
First Piper 