NASCAR has announced disciplinary action against the No. 16 team of AJ Allmendinger following an unapproved modification during practice at Nashville Superspeedway. The issue stems from an unauthorized adjustment to the car’s splitter — a key aerodynamic component — which occurred after the vehicle had already passed both pre-qualifying and pre-race inspections. Upon its return to the Cup Series garage for re-scanning, officials identified the illegal change, triggering immediate penalties.
As a result, the No. 16 team will face significant setbacks. Firstly, they lose their pit stall selection — a crucial strategic disadvantage in a race where every second matters. More seriously, car chief Jaron Antley has been ejected from the event and had his NASCAR hard card credentials revoked, barring him from further access. This action underlines NASCAR’s strict enforcement of technical regulations and the importance of team accountability.
On race day, AJ Allmendinger’s car will be forced to start at the rear of the field and must serve a stop-and-go penalty immediately after the green flag drops. Such a penalty severely hampers the team’s chances, especially on a track like Nashville, where track position and momentum are vital.
This incident emphasizes the importance of adherence to NASCAR’s rulebook, especially regarding vehicle modifications post-inspection. Teams often seek performance edges, but any deviation from the rules — even after initial inspections — can lead to severe consequences. For Allmendinger and the No. 16 crew, the focus will now shift to damage control and attempting to salvage a competitive run despite the early setbacks. It also serves as a reminder to all Cup teams that compliance must remain consistent throughout all stages of a race weekend, from inspection through to the checkered flag.
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