BREAKING: Jeff Gordon Is In The Chase

By Ron Lemasters Jr.

In an extraordinary move, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France today announced that Jeff Gordon would be added to the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup due to circumstances beyond his control in the final regular season race at Richmond International Raceway.

“What we’re talking about here is a set of extraordinary circumstances with multiple drivers and multiple teams,” France said after announcing that Gordon would be in the Chase field. “We believe he deserves this in the effort to provide a fair playing field. More than anything, it was just the right thing to do. There were too many things that went on Saturday night at Richmond that provided a clear disadvantage.”

After reviewing the video and audio from Clint Bowyer’s spin earlier in the week, NASCAR dived into video and audio from Penske Racing and Front Row Motorsports concerning a “deal” that allowed driver Joey Logano to pass FRM’s David Gilliland to maintain his spot in the top 10. 

As a result, Penske and FRM were placed on probation until the end of the year for violating Rule 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing).

 “Based on all of our findings this week, we determined both Front Row Motorsports and Penske Racing organizations would be placed on probation for the remainder of this season,” said France. “Additionally, based upon the totality of our findings, to be fair and equitable we decided that adding a 13th car to this year’s Chase is the appropriate action. 

“Beginning with our decision Monday, which resulted in an unprecedented team penalty, and continuing with further examination of actions involving two other race teams, it is clear to us that attempts to manipulate the results impacted the Chase field. 

“The integrity of our sport remains the cornerstone of NASCAR, and our actions this week speak to our commitment to ensure a level playing field for all competitors.”

Additionally, NASCAR will conduct a mandatory meeting with drivers, owners, crew chiefs and other team personnel tomorrow to address this issue moving forward.

France said he had the authority to add Gordon to the Chase and he used it to protect the integrity of the sport.

The move puts all four Hendrick Motorsports teams in the Chase.