Big Machine Racing has lost some of its playoff cushion due to penalties issued by NASCAR.
The sanctioning body issued a penalty report on Wednesday and said that the No. 48 team of Big Machine Racing had violated sections 14.4.10.A of the NASCAR Rule Book during the race weekend at Michigan International Speedway. This section deals with modifications to the rear spoiler.
The violation brings an L1-level penalty. As a result, NASCAR took away 20 driver points and five playoff points from Parker Kligerman. The No. 48 team lost 20 owner points and five playoff points. Crew chief Patrick Donahue received a $25,000 fine.
According to the NASCAR Rule Book, an L1-level penalty covers multiple aspects. Failure to meet minimum weight post-race or failure to submit and receive approval of parts can both lead to L1-level penalties. Team-sourced parts not meeting the NASCAR Rule Book also bring L1-level penalties.
Kligerman, who is in his second full season with Big Machine Racing, continues to seek his first win in the Xfinity Series. He has two top-five finishes and nine top-10s this season and an average finish of 13.5.
Kligerman finished the Michigan race in 11th place. He left the two-mile track with a 36-point cushion over the playoff cutline. Now, however, he is only 16 points above the cutline. He leads Sammy Smith, who is one point above the cutline. Ryan Sieg is the first driver out of a playoff spot.
Kligerman and the No. 48 team have ample time to regain some of the lost driver points. Five races remain in the regular season -- Daytona, Darlington, Atlanta, Watkins Glen, and Bristol. Kligerman has top-10 finishes at all of these tracks. He has top-fives at Atlanta, Daytona, and Watkins Glen.
If Kligerman continues to perform at his current level and returns to the playoffs, he will still face a disadvantage. He left Michigan with only one playoff point to his name, which he earned through a stage win at Circuit of the Americas in March.
Now, however, Kligerman has negative four playoff points.