Austin Dillon Wins in Controversial Finish at Richmond, Punching Playoff Ticket

NASCAR just returned in a big way following a two week hiatus for the Paris Olympics and OH BOY was it controversial.

Austin Dillon, who hadn't won in 68 races and was 32nd this season in points shocked the world with his win and now punched his ticket into the Playoffs. 

Despite his and RCR's struggles this season, Dillon found something tonight. The #3 car led laps in the race for the first time this season and got to the front fair and square. Regardless of how you feel about the move at the end I have to give him credit for putting himself in this position. Also credit to the RCR pit crew, who had a flawless final pitstop from p1. Take it from a veteran of the sport:

When the Playoff format is win and you're in, I'm not sure I can knock Austin for doing what he had to there. 

Was it dirty? Yes. Was it egregious? Yes. Did he wreck two cars to win? Yes. But it was essential. 

Austin Dillon has found his way back into the Playoffs for the 6th time while Joey Logano, who appeared to be the strongest car out of the final restart, was understandably upset and did not mince words on his opinion of the finish. 

Denny Hamlin was equally as frustrated and raised several good points in his post race interview.

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But I think it's important to mention that his RCR crew was in his ear and Austin Dillon was simply taking team orders.

RCR who was winless so far in the 2024 season had to make drastic changes. Not even Kyle Busch could get them into victory lane this season. Instead it took a BALLSY move from his teammate that definitely pissed some people off in the process. Others seemed to be amused by it all.

What do you think? Did Austin Dillon go too far? How should he be penalized, if at all? 

I look forward to speaking more about this in detail and getting Large's opinion on it all on this week's Rubbin is Racing. 

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