Just two weeks after one of its race cars was disqualified for unapproved modifications to the rear spoiler at Talladega, NASCAR Ford team Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) was hit with a second penalty for a similar issue. The No. 17 Ford Mustang Dark Horse of Chris Buescher was found to have illegal modifications, resulting in an L1-level penalty. RFK fired back and appealed the Buescher penalty, arguing that it didn’t modify all the parts outlined in the penalty – and received a lighter punishment as a result.
According to a report from NASCAR.com, the National Motorsports Appeals Panel (NMAP) heard testimonies from RFK personnel regarding penalty levied to the No. 17 NASCAR Ford after the Cup Series race at Kansas on May 15th, 2025. NMAP ruled that the No. 17 Mustang violated one or more – but not all – of the rules from the initial penalty.
Specifically, NMAP ruled that the No. 17 NASCAR Ford team did violate Section 14.5.4 from the NASCAR Rule Book, which refers to the front bumper cover. However, it did not violate 14.1.2, which covers the exhaust cover panel. As such, NMAP amended the L1-level penalty, taking 30 championship driver and team owner points, halving the initial punishment of 60 points. Buescher and his team still lose five driver and team owner Playoff points, and the two-race crew chief suspension and $75,000 fine stand as well.
“The panel concluded that NASCAR met its burden of proof regarding the reinforcement of the front bumper cover but did not meet it regarding the trimming of the exhaust panel cover,” the panel stated. “The rule book regarding the exhaust panel trimming lacked specificity on the amount trimmed or not trimmed. Accordingly, the panel reduced the owner and driver points penalty from 60 to 30 points.”
After the modified points penalty, Buescher is now ranked 16th in Cup Series point standings. His crew chief, Scott Graves, has already served his two-race suspension and will return at Nashville Superspeedway for this weekend’s events.
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