10 biggest playoffs scandals in NASACR History

10. Kevin Harvick’s “Texas Tape-Gate” (2022)

After the 2022 Texas playoff race, NASCAR fans erupted when Kevin Harvick’s Ford was found with suspiciously torn right-rear bumper tape. Rivals claimed Stewart-Haas Racing intentionally modified the car for an aerodynamic advantage. NASCAR cracked down with a massive fine and points penalty, turning what could’ve been a solid playoff run into chaos.

9. Cole Custer’s Team Orders Controversy (2022 Roval)

In one of the strangest playoff moments, Cole Custer appeared to slow down intentionally on the final lap at Charlotte’s Roval, allowing teammate Chase Briscoe to gain positions and advance in the playoffs. NASCAR reviewed the radio communications — and when “code words” were found, Custer and Stewart-Haas Racing were hit with fines and penalties for manipulation.

8. Denny Hamlin’s Illegal Tape Penalty (2023)

In 2023, NASCAR dropped the hammer on Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing after officials discovered a small piece of extra tape placed under the car’s wrap. That seemingly tiny piece gave an aerodynamic edge and led to one of the heaviest penalties of the Next Gen era — costing Hamlin critical playoff points and sparking outrage across the garage.

7. Michael Waltrip’s Jet Fuel Scandal (2007 Daytona 500)

Before NASCAR’s playoff era formally expanded, Michael Waltrip Racing’s entry was caught with jet fuel additives in its intake manifold during the 2007 Daytona 500 — the team’s first race under Toyota. NASCAR confiscated the car, fined Waltrip $100,000, and suspended crew members. It embarrassed both Waltrip and Toyota’s debut effort, setting the tone for years of controversy.

6. Chase Elliott’s Crew Chief Suspension (2021 Playoffs)

During the 2021 playoffs, Chase Elliott’s championship defense took a hit when his crew chief, Alan Gustafson, was suspended after illegal modifications were found during post-race inspection at Phoenix. Although minor, the timing couldn’t have been worse, adding pressure on Elliott’s title hopes and shaking confidence in NASCAR’s officiating consistency.

5. Joey Logano’s Martinsville “Bump and Run” (2018)

It wasn’t illegal — but it was controversial. In 2018, Joey Logano dumped Martin Truex Jr. in the final corner at Martinsville to win and secure his Championship 4 spot. Truex fumed, saying, “He may have won the battle, but he won’t win the war.” Logano did win the war, claiming the title weeks later, but the move remains one of the most debated playoff finishes ever.

4. Kyle Larson’s Richmond Inspection Scandal (2023)

In 2023, NASCAR stunned the paddock by disqualifying Larson’s playoff car after post-race inspection revealed illegal aerodynamic modifications around the hood louvers. Hendrick Motorsports appealed and partially won, but the episode reignited the debate about fairness and transparency in NASCAR’s inspection process during the high-stakes playoff period.

3. Kevin Harvick’s “Talladega Wreck Gate” (2015)

At Talladega, Harvick — on the bubble to advance — appeared to intentionally trigger a massive wreck on the final restart, freezing the field and preserving his playoff position. Though NASCAR found “no conclusive evidence” of wrongdoing, fans and drivers were furious, and Harvick’s reputation took a serious hit for allegedly gaming the system.

2. Clint Bowyer’s “SpinGate” (2013 Richmond)

Perhaps NASCAR’s most infamous manipulation scandal. During the 2013 Richmond race, Clint Bowyer’s suspicious late-race spin helped teammate Martin Truex Jr. make the playoffs. Radio chatter suggested it was intentional. NASCAR launched an investigation, fined Michael Waltrip Racing $300,000, and stripped Truex of his playoff spot. “SpinGate” changed playoff ethics forever.

1. Jeff Gordon’s “Phantom 13th Spot” (2013)

The fallout from “SpinGate” forced NASCAR to awkwardly expand the 2013 playoff field from 12 to 13 drivers — just to include Jeff Gordon, who had been unfairly eliminated by the manipulation. It was the first and only time NASCAR ever changed the playoff grid midweek. The scandal embarrassed the sport and directly led to reforms in its playoff integrity rules.