NASCAR Reaches Penalty Decisions After Multiple Chicagoland Squabbles
NASCAR has gone back to the replays and come to a decision regarding the incidents at Chicagoland Speedway. It has been decided that neither Shane van Gisbergen, Austin Hill, Zane Smith, nor Carson Hocevar will be penalized for their on-track antics.
The only penalty handed down regards the No. 51 team of Jeremy Clements in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Due to a wheel falling off, the team will lose their front-tire changer and jackman for the next races.
Austin Hill - Shane van Gisbergen
During Saturday's eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, the pair of drivers were involved in tight quarters. On lap 48, Van Gisbergen entered turn 3 on an aggressive, low line. Ahead of him, Austin Hill would try to block that run and aero-block Van Gisbergen, pausing his momentum. Instead, Van Gisbergen's momentum carried him into Hill, sending him around and into the outer wall.
As Hill recovered and drove his car back to the pit lane, he searched for Van Gisbergen. Under the caution lap, Hill is seen driving on the apron, locating Van Gisbergen, and throwing his car into the side paneling of the No. 97.
NASCAR did not force any penalty upon either party. It has been common for NASCAR to let incidents work themselves out with no penalty in 2026. The most notable occurrence was that of Kyle Busch getting into John Hunter Nemechek at Texas, going unpenalized in a more purposeful-looking move.
Carson Hocevar - Zane Smith
On lap 32, Zane Smith was facing bumper-to-bumper behind Hocevar in turn 2. In a move most fans deemed deliberate, Smith was on the gas too hard, which spun him and Hocevar into the outer wall. The caution was waived.
Just like the lack of fiery energy from Van Gisbergen and Hill, both Hocevar and Smith said little regarding the incident. NASCAR lets it pass without penalty, and we will keep a keen eye on the involved parties in the weeks to come.
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 12:13 PM.