NASCAR News: Two crew members suspended indefinitely after violating drug abuse law

According to a report from On3.com, NASCAR recently announced the indefinite suspension of two crew members due to their violations of the sport’s substance abuse policy. The suspensions were announced shortly after the Pocono Raceway event, casting a shadow over the week’s events.

The two individuals involved are Cordell Cahill, an IT support employee for 23XI Racing, and RJ Otto, who served as interim crew chief for Bret Holmes Racing last season but is not part of this year’s roster. Although exact details were not disclosed, NASCAR policy allows for such sanctions when members fail drug tests in order to maintain a safe and fair competitive environment.

Cahill and Otto’s reinstatement is contingent on completing an individual recovery plan, a standard practice that provides crew members with a structured path back to the sport provided they follow prescribed rehabilitation steps.

In another NASCAR league, the Craftsman Truck Series, a minor violation was found involving Ross Chastain’s vehicle. A loose lug nut resulted in a $2,500 fine for Phil Gould, crew chief of the No. 45 Niece Motorsports truck. However, in a more controversial case, an incident involving drivers Corey LaJoie and Kyle Busch during the same series resulted in no penalties, even though their collision was clearly intentional.

Amid these regulatory measures, NASCAR is preparing for the highly anticipated return of the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race marks a significant return to the oval track after previously lukewarm crowd response to the road course. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of this storied race, big favorites like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson are expected to draw large crowds eager to witness a revival of the historic rivalry and racing tradition at this legendary venue.

Results of the Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway

1. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
2. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
3. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
4. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
5. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
6. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
7. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
8. Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
9. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
10. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
11. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford
12. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
13. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
14. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
15. Chase Briscoe, No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
16. Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
17. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
18. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
19. Corey Lajoie, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
20. Josh Berry, No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
21. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
22. Justin Haley, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
23. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
24. Michael McDowell, No. 34, front row Motorsports Ford
25. Daniel Hemric, No. 31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
26. Cody Ware, No. 15 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet
27. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
28. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
29. Zane Smith, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
30. Ryan Preece, No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
31. Harrison Burton, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
32. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
33. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 JTG Daugherty Racing Chevrolet
34. Todd Gilliland, No. 38, front row Motorsports Ford
35. JJ Yeley, No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet
36. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
37. Noah Gragson, No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford