NASCAR has officially confirmed a major penalty following conclusion of its investigation into allegations made by Bubba Wallace that Shane van Gisbergen cheated to gain an advantage during the Mexico City race. Both the complaint and evidence have been fully validated.
According to NASCAR’s statement, after reviewing telemetry data, race‑control communications, and pit‑crew radio logs, it was determined that van Gisbergen implemented an unauthorized engine mapping adjustment mid‑race—contravening strict rules against on‑the‑fly power modifications. The adjustment, though subtle, provided a measurable gain in acceleration off the corners and entry into the high‑altitude circuit’s tough braking zones, enough to tip the balance.
As a result, NASCAR has imposed the following penalties, effective immediately:
- Shane van Gisbergen: A $250,000 fine, a two‑race suspension from all NASCAR Cup Series events, and 100 driver‑points penalty, dropping him significantly in the standings.
- Team and Crew: His crew chief and race engineer each receive $100,000 fines, plus a one‑race suspension. The team also forfeits 50 owner points.
- Loss of Manufacturer Points: Chevrolet loses 25 manufacturer points across the Cup Series due to rule violations involving vehicle power controls.
NASCAR’s Vice President of Competition stated that preserving the integrity of the sport was paramount, emphasizing that any manipulation of technical systems—no matter how minor—is unacceptable. They thanked Bubba Wallace for bringing the issue to light, underscoring the importance of transparency in maintaining a level playing field.
Van Gisbergen and his team plan to appeal but have confirmed the suspension will be served during the upcoming road‑course races. The penalty sends a clear message: any advantage gained through illicit technical tweaks will face swift and severe repercussions.
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