By: Zach Arnold

The story roaring across the NASCAR world over the last couple of weeks has involved Austin Dillon and Richard Childress Racing, who won the Federated Auto Parts 400 in dramatic fashion has found its conclusion this afternoon.

On the final lap of the event, Dillon crashed Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin and was later penalized for these actions. The No. 3 team was credited the win, however, NASCAR took away his spot in the playoffs. Along with the penalty, Ben Benesch, spotter of the No. 3 team was suspended two races for radio communication telling Dillon to “wreck him [Hamlin]” on the final lap, and Joey Logano was fined $50,000 for his actions on pit road post-race.

As soon as the penalty was announced, Richard Childress Racing stated they would appeal this decision in hopes of regaining their spot in the 2024 playoffs. NASCAR denied this a few days later.

The Chevrolet team was not ready to let the opportunity slip away, so it sent an appeal to Bill Mullins, the “final appeals officer,” for final review. On Monday afternoon, Mullins denied the appeal, forcing the No. 3 team into a must-win scenario this weekend at Darlington.

“The data presented today from SMT and IDAS systems indicate that more likely than not a rule violation did occur at Richmond Raceway on 8-11-24 by the No. 3 RCR car on the last lap of the race. (Rule 12.3.2.1.B Eligibility, race finishes must be unencumbered by violations of the NASCAR rules or other actions detrimental to stock car auto racing or NASCAR as determined in the sole discretion of NASCAR.)” said Mullins.

Over the 2024 season, RCR has failed to put one of their two NASCAR Cup Series cars into victory lane. Kyle Busch sits 19th in the playoff standings, while Dillon is in 30th heading into Darlington. Both drivers must attempt to win the Southern 500 to earn a playoff spot.

Tune into NBC Sports at 6:00 pm EST this Sunday to watch the 2024 Southern 500 and find out if either RCR driver can earn a playoff spot.