NASCAR announced on Sunday that it would take no disciplinary action against Austin Hill or Shane van Gisbergen following a pair of on‑track collisions at Chicagoland Speedway during the recent e‑ero 400.
Van Gisbergen, the New Zealand‑born champion, hinted that Hill might still be looking for retribution, describing his rival as someone who “needs to get the last laugh,” a comment that has kept the tension simmering in the garage.
The penalty landscape
The sport’s current penalty framework in the Cup Series demands that drivers openly acknowledge an intentional wreck before any sanction is imposed, a standard that was recently applied when Ryan Preece was fined for striking Ty Gibbs after broadcasting his intent over team radio.
Because Hill is not accruing points and is already locked out of The Chase contention, the team has warned that any further escalation could trigger a far more severe punishment, while van Gisbergen faces the prospect of a points deduction that could jeopardize his championship trajectory.
Season outlook
With the season still in flux, van Gisbergen says he must stay vigilant around the No. 33 entry for the remainder of the schedule, aware that any repeat could cost him dearly.