Final, Final Answer: Austin Dillon Final Appeal Turned Down, No NASCAR Playoffs for Richmond Win

With Sunday’s Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway being the final race in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, Austin Dillon has one last chance to make the playoffs.

National Motorsports Final Appeal Officer Bill Mullis upheld the National Motorsports Appeals Panel’s decisions that allowed Dillon to keep his Richmond victory, but not qualify for the playoffs. He also upheld the loss of 25 driver and owner points.

“The data presented today (Monday) from SMT and IDAS systems indicated 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,” Mullis stated. “(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.)”

With Mullis’ decision 13 of the 14 different winners this year have qualified for the 16-driver playoff field.