Hendrick Motorsports speaks out after shocking Charlotte Roval disqualification

Hendrick Motorsports was at the center of controversy after driver Alex Bowman was disqualified from the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at the Charlotte Roval.

The disqualification occurred because a post-race inspection determined that Bowman's car, the No. 48 Chevrolet, was underweight. This unexpected setback has a significant impact on Bowman and his team. This eliminates Bowman from the playoffs for a place in the Round of 8, effectively ending its 2024 championship campaign.

The structure of the NASCAR playoffs is complex, with four rounds that whittle the field from 16 competitors down to the championship four. In each round the points are decisively reset. A win automatically advances riders to the next stage, which is why compliance with technical regulations is crucial. Bowman's disqualification had a ripple effect, allowing two-time NASCAR Cup champion Joey Logano to clinch the coveted playoff spot. Logano, who faltered on the way to promotion, now has another opportunity to pursue another championship.

NASCAR Cup Series general manager Brad Moran explained the situation, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:

“Unfortunately the 48 had a problem (and) didn’t meet the minimum weight.

“We put the car aside. We drove on. We…gave them the ability to refuel the car as well as drain the water system and add water. So we gave them every opportunity to keep the weight to a minimum. We let them go.” again. Unfortunately they were bright again.”

Hendrick Motorsports has since commented on the situation on social media and indicated that they may appeal the decision if they deem it necessary. The team wrote:

“We are working to understand the issue and will make a decision on Monday whether to appeal.”

Moran also commented on the possibility of an appeal, stating:

“If the appeal is lodged it will be expedited, so it will probably happen in the next few days. So I can't really go into all the details of the information, but the car was light, and that's where we ended up.”

Despite Bowman's early exit from this year's championship hunt, Hendrick Motorsports remains strong. The team still boasts the success of drivers Kyle Larson, William Byron and Chase Elliott as they advance to the Round of 8.

NASCAR Cup Series: Current status

1. Kyle Larson – 4052 points
2. Christopher Bell – 4032 points
3. Tyler Reddick – 4029 points
4. William Byron – 4023 points
5. Ryan Blaney – 4019 points
6. Denny Hamlin – 4015 points
7. Chase Elliott – 4014 points
8. Joey Logano – 4012 points
9. Alex Bowman – 2195 points
10. Austin Cindric – 2174 points
11. Ty Gibbs – 2150 points
12. Martin Truex Jr. – 2146 points
13. Daniel Suárez – 2127 points
14. Brad Keselowski – 2120 points
15. Chase Briscoe – 2110 points
16. Harrison Burton – 2065 points
17. Chris Buescher – 830 points
18. Bubba Wallace – 824 points
19. Ross Chastain – 821 points
20. Kyle Busch – 711 points
21. Carson Hocevar – 604 points
22. Todd Gilliland – 579 points
23. Michael McDowell – 574 points
24. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 543 points
25. Noah Gragson – 522 points
26. Ryan Preece – 507 points
27. Josh Berry – 506 points
28. Austin Dillon – 483 points
29. Zane Smith – 460 points
30. Justin Haley – 459 points
31. Corey LaJoie – 457 points
32. Erik Jones – 456 points
33. Daniel Hemric – 455 points
34. John H. Nemechek – 395 points
35. Kaz Grala – 188 points
36. Cody Ware – 130 points
37. Joey Hand – 43 points
38. Jimmie Johnson – 40 points
39. Derek Kraus – 32 points
40. David Ragan – 17 points
41. Kamui Kobayashi – 8 points
42. Will Brown – 6 points
43. Juan Pablo Montoya – 5 points
44. Cam Waters – 2 points